There’s a partially used pack of hot dogs lurking in my freezer, a remnant of my son Liam’s fourth birthday dinner request. On that day, I let him browse a Google Images search for “kid foods” to inspire his meal choice. He halted suddenly, eyes wide, declaring, “That’s the dinner I always wanted.” It was a corn dog.
“Corn dogs? Are you sure? I saw pizza with a funny face back there,” I replied. But he was adamant.
So, I splurged on organic hot dogs, forgetting that they’re still just hot dogs, made mostly from less appetizing parts. I prepared a corn batter and crafted homemade corn dogs, celebrating my firstborn’s special day. Yes, I could have grabbed a box of pre-made corn dogs from the freezer aisle—easier and cheaper—but my mind twisted that option into guilt.
Generally, I aim to provide my kids with fresh, nutritious meals. Processed foods are limited, and while I manage to incorporate fruit at every meal and vegetables most of the time, I still occasionally feel that pang of guilt when I sneak in a miniature peanut butter cup.
My upbringing was starkly different. Vegetables were canned and swimming in salt, and breakfast was often a bowl of sugary cereal with milk. I can count on one hand the fruits and vegetables I consumed regularly, with my first strawberry only making an appearance after moving in with my husband. Determined to raise my kids with a healthier relationship with food, I envisioned them instinctively running outside to pick fresh green beans at the first sign of hunger. Birds might even sing around them in my fantasy.
Despite my guilt, when it was time for dinner on Liam’s birthday, I didn’t regret making corn dogs. He loved them and even asked for seconds—a rare occurrence because he knows that means dessert is further away. In that moment, I felt no remorse about serving him what he craved.
But now those extra hot dogs are still in the freezer, nearing their expiration date. I need to cook them, but I’ve hesitated, preferring to reach for healthier options. Allowing my children to indulge in their favorite foods sometimes makes me worry I’m steering them toward unhealthy habits. Ironically, I survived my own junk-food-laden upbringing and still managed to achieve a decent BMI and even completed some college courses. If anything I feed them is effective, they’ll surely be future Olympians with a slew of awards.
I acknowledge that while I want to avoid turning food into an emotional issue for my kids, food inherently carries emotions. It’s part of family gatherings, celebrations, and even comfort. Reflecting on fond childhood food memories, I don’t recall grilled chicken breasts; rather, I remember spontaneous ice cream sundaes for dinner or the thrill of cooking my first family meal. Those moments were filled with excitement and joy, just like Liam’s birthday corn dogs.
So, I’m learning to ease my grip on this issue. I recognize that I can be overly anxious about food choices, though typically I’m a laid-back parent. Treats exist for a reason—they’re meant to be enjoyed occasionally without guilt. Teaching my children to have a healthy relationship with indulgence is key. They should learn to savor these moments without feeling bad afterward.
It’s time to embrace those hot dogs in my meal planning, guilt-free.
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Summary:
This article explores the author’s personal journey with food choices for her children, emphasizing the importance of balance and enjoyment in their diets. The author reflects on her own upbringing, filled with unhealthy food habits, and contrasts it with her desire to provide her kids with healthier options while also allowing them to indulge. Ultimately, she learns to let go of guilt associated with food choices, advocating for a healthy relationship with eating that includes treats and memories.