“I am not your assistant!” my 6-year-old son exclaimed, arms crossed and brows furrowed. I had just requested that he relocate his stack of comic books from the dining table to his room. After a little persuasion, I found calm in the fact that he had picked up that phrase from me. It’s a saying I often use, so naturally, my kids throw it back at me with glee.
It’s amusing how much more assertive it sounds coming from a tiny person. Despite our home lacking any actual servants, my kids seem to expect to be catered to. I’m not really sure where this mindset originated. Perhaps it’s a result of my mother’s recent transformation into a doting caregiver: “Can I get you anything, darling? Did you eat enough?” Or maybe it’s a residual effect from their baby days when they relied on me for everything. Could it be influenced by the house elves in Harry Potter?
Related: Discover some high-calorie foods to incorporate into your child’s diet.
Regardless of the source, my children’s strong demand for service has been cleverly turned into an advantage for both them and me. I choose to embrace the “servant” role when it comes to snacks.
For the last seven years, I’ve faced the challenge of picky eaters ever since my daughter transitioned from a culinary explorer to someone who’d prefer to skip meals rather than touch a vegetable. I began with a thoughtful parenting book that delves into the nuances of picky eating (Just Take a Bite by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson) and ensured the kids took a good multivitamin. Though my children are lean, they consistently meet their growth markers.
Since I refuse to force-feed them, their diet has turned out to be healthy yet somewhat limited. Even if a variety of nutritious foods appears on their plates, they are under no obligation to eat them. This has compelled me to employ some crafty strategies, especially concerning fruits, veggies, and proteins.
1. Gourmet Offerings, Not Simple Snacks
Instead of letting the kids help themselves to chips or granola bars, I present a lavish platter filled with sliced fruit, cheeses, whole grain crackers, and veggies, all ready for snacking. This approach works wonders when they’re distracted, such as during screen time.
2. Culinary Helper
When packing fruit for lunch, I peel and chop it beforehand. The same goes for the platter. This week, my kids are enjoying cherries, which I’ve pitted and stemmed. They devour them quicker than any processed snack.
3. Proactive Planning
I’ve noticed my kids are most ravenous right after they wake up and when they return from school. I ensure healthy snacks are readily available during these times while I prepare their main meal, but I keep it relaxed.
4. Smart Preparation
I make sure to pack healthy snacks for outings to prevent them from being tempted by fast food or junk food found in the car. If the only available options are applesauce or a bag of almonds, there’s a good chance they will choose one of those.
5. Extra Effort
If my kids request a particular snack or if I’m offering a treat, I also present one of my healthy, prepped alternatives.
The other day, while I was arranging our snack platter, my mother remarked, “Wow, Jessica, how did you become so different?”
“What did you do for snacks when I was a kid?” I inquired.
“We didn’t have snacks in the ’70s,” she replied.
Exactly. Back in my childhood, snacks were often a can of soda and an old Twinkie stolen from the cupboard. They were a source of embarrassment. Modern parents have learned valuable lessons from those calorie-conscious times. We understand that children will eat what is appealing and accessible. So, instead of denying them treats, we provide them with healthier options.
This article was originally published on July 30, 2015. For more engaging stories, check out this post and explore family stories for insights. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit here.
In summary, by adopting the role of a snack assistant, parents can cleverly navigate the challenges of picky eaters and ensure their children receive the nutrients they need without the power struggles that often accompany mealtimes. It’s all about making healthy options appealing and accessible.