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Parenting
By Lila Thompson
Updated: March 17, 2017
Originally Published: March 17, 2017
Before my 5-year-old son, I never thought a person could thrive on just a handful of bites a day—most of which consist of cheese. It’s as if he’s found a way to convert air into energy. Perhaps that’s why he talks non-stop. I’m convinced he only grows because he drinks milk as if he were raised on a dairy farm.
I’ve tried everything to encourage him to eat dinner—pleading, bribing, crying, yelling, wishing on a star, even singing songs from his favorite shows. The boy genuinely seems indifferent to food. You could place his favorite dessert right in front of him, but if he decides he won’t try the casserole, it’s simply not going to happen. Even if the world were to freeze over, he’d still be at the dinner table with his napkin over his head.
He possesses an uncanny ability to spot a hidden vegetable—a chopped mushroom in his meat or a hint of spinach in his pancakes—miles away. He’s got a built-in radar for tomatoes that aren’t fully blended into his spaghetti sauce. Everything is too spicy, too meaty, too much like dinner, and not enough like a bowl of cereal. Honestly, he would happily subsist on cereal for eternity if I allowed it. I often consider giving in.
He’s pushed me to do things I once vowed I would never do to get him to eat. I once cut his apples into heart shapes because he promised to eat them. And yes, I rocked his stuffed panda at lunchtime just so he would take a bite of his grilled cheese—he did eat it, so who really won here? Probably him.
At dinner, he shows zero concern for his growth, his future stomach aches, or even the sacrifices made for that hamburger. He couldn’t care less about Santa Claus or his elves. I’ve heard the advice: “They can eat what you prepare or go hungry.” I never make separate meals, yet I worry he’ll choose hunger over tacos.
As a family that cherishes food, this situation is incredibly frustrating for the rest of us. We spend weekends cooking and planning our meals, relishing the time spent with friends and family over new recipes. He seems like a little alien who scowls at the beautiful plate of homemade pasta in front of him.
I know there are children out there who are even pickier, living on just a few types of food. If I had any energy left after trying to persuade my son to take the napkin off his head and eat one single bite, I’d light candles for you all.
We’re making efforts to transform dinnertime from a battlefield into a more enjoyable experience. Recently, he expressed a desire to be taller than his sister, which has helped when faced with broccoli on his plate. As he matures, he’s slightly more willing to try at least one bite of something just to avoid our nagging. I’ve read that it can take 10 to 15 tries for kids to develop a taste for new foods, so I feel accomplished when he finally gets that one bite down.
We’ll keep persevering, one bite at a time, one dinner at a time, hoping he’ll eventually come to enjoy meals with us—or at the very least, not make us all miserable in the process.
For those interested in expanding their family, explore the options available through the Cryobaby at Home Insemination Kit. It’s essential to have resources that guide you through your journey, and you can find valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination at the NHS. If you’re looking for tips on healthy meals, check out this site on lentil soup.
Summary
Navigating the dinnertime challenges of a picky child can be incredibly frustrating for parents. From creative tactics to practical advice, the journey involves patience and persistence. As families cherish their time together over meals, the hope for a more enjoyable dining experience remains strong.