For any parent of young children, mealtime can often feel like a battle. Kids’ preferences can shift from day to day, and they frequently refuse to eat what was once a favorite dish. No one wants to send their child to preschool on an empty stomach, yet chef and culinary expert Marco Lane suggests that allowing kids to experience hunger might be the right approach.
In a recent interview with a popular parenting magazine, Lane expressed his belief that parents are overly accommodating to their children’s picky eating habits. He argues that children who are selective about their meals shouldn’t always be catered to. “The issue arises when parents worry too much about their kids feeling hungry, leading them to allow their kids to dictate their dietary choices,” Lane explained. “If a child refuses to eat the meal you’ve prepared, I’d simply put it away and offer it again later when they’re feeling hungry.”
This approach seems straightforward for someone like Lane, who often talks about his two children relishing gourmet dishes like escargots and truffles. However, this isn’t the first time Lane has sparked controversy with his comments on children’s eating habits. Last year, he stirred up frustration among parents by suggesting that picky eaters are merely resistant to trying new things. “Kids will adapt to whatever you present to them,” he stated. “Parents often claim their child dislikes certain foods, but I think that’s inaccurate.”
It’s easy for Lane, who likely hasn’t faced the level of pickiness that many parents deal with—such as children who will only eat white bread or chicken nuggets—to make such sweeping statements. While he touts his children as paragons of dietary adventure, it’s essential to recognize that not all kids fit this mold.
Picky eaters do exist. Many face sensory issues or other factors that impact their eating habits, while some simply have preferences that don’t include fish pie or broccoli. There’s nothing wrong with setting boundaries and not giving in to every demand, but it’s also okay to be flexible rather than letting your child go hungry every time they reject a meal.
If Lane wants to share kid-friendly recipes or tips on involving children in the kitchen, that would be wonderful—many parents would appreciate such guidance. However, it’s unfair to critique other parents without understanding the challenges they face. Some kids won’t touch that fish pie, regardless of how long it sits in the fridge, and no child should be forced to go hungry in the meantime. For more information on navigating these challenges, check out this link on home insemination kits.
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In summary, while advice like “They’ll eat when they’re hungry” may seem straightforward, the reality for many parents is far more complex. Each child’s relationship with food is individual, and understanding that can lead to a healthier approach to mealtimes.