and I’m afraid it’s my circumstance that dictated this predicament and not my childrens’ sunny, agreeable disposition. I get told, all the time, about how lucky I am that both my boys are such great eaters. They’re not picky and they’re definitely not fussy. And believe me they eat. A LOT! However it really has nothing to do with being lucky but all to do with giving choices. And let me make one thing clear – eating everything doesn’t mean LIKING everything. One hates mushy soupy textures while the other abhors brussels sprouts. Seeing though as there’s only one of me with 3 mouths to feed and no time to spare, only 1 meal gets made every time we need to eat. No changes or additions or “but can I have ____ instead”. The choices at each meal are: Eat it or don’t eat it. I do my best to provide a nutritious meal so if they don’t want to eat, the meal does not get replaced by anything else; they just have to wait until the next one. Hence, over time (and testing out my eat or don’t eat choices), both young men have learned that it feels nicer to have a tummy full of food and to appreciate the colourful delights on their plate, then to try and negotiate for bread with jam and butter.
This makes for excellent dinner dates as we try new menus and foods, and wonderfully curious little boys who will try everything….when not given the option of macaroni and cheese instead.
The Single Mom Chronicles 