When it comes to my kiddies I have always said things like, "I don't fight the food battle." meaning I don't force my kids to eat anything. Sure I may revoke dessert if dinner isn't eaten but for the most part I have tried not to go into that arena. However winds are a changin', the last straw was laid upon my back last night concerning this issue. I made some spicy chili for dinner and being the kind mother that I am I made grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup as well knowing that the kids would not appreciate a spicy chili. Both children wouldn't even touch the grilled cheese or soup. I was so irritated. Maycie said I just want bread with honey on it. On any other day I may have responded to this request in her favor but I was so irritated that I said, no way. I am not a waitress and this is not a restaurant where you order food. I mean really I thought, my kids won't eat grilled cheese, exasperating! right!?
Kevin has always said that we or rather I should be more strict in this regard and make them eat what they are served. My parents when we visit them would also point out the same topic to which I would reply, "I don't fight that battle." Well look out kids Mom has had enough! This morning before breakfast I said to Maycie and Nelson, "We have a problem....." I then explained and laid down the ground rules. If you eat not the meal, then you eat not a snack or anything else until the next meal. Of corse the uneaten food will remain available to them. So here we go I have stepped into this battle in full armor and ready to stand firm. I am ready!!!
In Maycie's defense I have seen marked improvement in the recent months with eating more foods but Nelson has gotten worse. So here we go, stay tuned for further updates on the progression of this food battle.
Oh and I am accepting any and all advice concerning the topic at hand. I can use all the help I can get.
Here are no 1 and no 2 eating breakfast this morning after the ground rules were discussed. They look forlorn in this picture however they took the new rules quite well and ate acceptably this morning. Dinner will be the real test.
5 comments:
Good Luck!
Good for you! That brings back memories of my mom saying "this isn't a restaurant!"
I am probably the meanest mom in the world when it comes to this topic. I have always wondered how people can make separate meals for themselves and their kids and I vowed I would never do that. I hate cooking as it is, so what I make everyone is expected to eat or they go hungry. If they take a couple bites and decide they don't like it, tough beans, they still need to finish at least half before being excused from the table. The only exception is those times when I make something that is literally inedible and Jeff can't even stomach it. Jackson has gone to church hungry on a number of occasions because he didn't want to eat his breakfast in a timely manner, and he was not allowed a morning snack. My advice is to stick with it. Don't give in, not even once. Just one time of giving in will cause you more trouble than you can imagine. Good luck and I hope things go well!
We do a similar thing. I choose a long time ago not to fight the food war and I completely stand by it. We cook one main meal and serve it with a fruit or veggie. They can eat it if they want or say no thank you after one bite. Esther's dinner is usually just a few bites but it's nice not to have the battle. Makes for much more of a happy home. You'll have to let me know how your new plan goes....
I have the very same problem at my house. I think my biggest problem is me though...I'm not consistent enough. I lay down the rules, follow them for a few days, and then give in because it's so much easier sometimes to not fight the battle. Not good. You've given me some food for thought. ;-)
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