I have created Food Monsters. I am not proud of this fact and have spent lots of time and energy making excuses for my kids' eating habits. Two events that happened yesterday hit me upside the head with the Ugly Truth: that my kids are ridiculously Picky Eaters, and that I am their Enabler.
Event #1: My friend Laurie drove M&M, my 9 year old daughter, back home after a sleepover, and I asked Laurie how it went. Laurie went into great detail over all the foods M&M refused to eat and how hard it was for her to plan meals when my daughter spent the night. I was mortified. I knew that M&M rolled her eyes and made gagging noises while eating raw carrots at my dinner table. But I had no idea she was so rude elsewhere. I immediately informed M&M that she was on Sleepover Restriction until she could prove to me that she could accept whatever food I put in front of her without gagging or eye rolling.
Event #2: I saw the movie Julie & Julia, and it inspired me. No, not to be a narcissistic blogger. It reminded me of the joy I used to find in cooking, in creating something delicious and nourishing. The daily complaining of four young, unrefined palates slowly killed my love affair with cooking. I let them win the Food Battle, to my detriment - and to theirs.
Today I informed the little anklebiters that there's a new Sheriff in town, named Mommy. Sheriff Mommy will no longer accept whining, complaining, eye-rolling, or gagging noises at the table. Sheriff Mommy will no longer be accommodating personal food preferences, but will be making healthy, balanced meals - and probably won't be making pasta for awhile. Sheriff Mommy expects each child to take at least one bite of everything on their plates. There will be no substitutions. Unpleasant Consequences will result for the offenders.
Tonight we start The Picky Eaters Project. Starting tonight, the Food Monsters will not be sitting at my dinner table - but they might be found in their beds waiting for the sun to go down, if they're not careful. Game On.
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My sweet oldest actually vomited into her plate at a dinner party after I "forced" her to eat one of the 8 foods she "used to like"...since she had recently moved that number down to 7 foods she found palatable. Do you know how few people want to invite you to dinner when your kid does that?? Ugh. Julie and Julia was the 3rd movie I've seen at the theater in 5+ yrs, and it also stirred some old emotions.
ReplyDeleteguess i better go rent the movie... i need some inspiration.
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