With Kids, Don't Give Up

Trying to celebrate every day with kids can be a challenge when it comes to meals. Some kids are fussy most of the time. Others have their moments. They won't eat vegetables. Or maybe they won't touch meat. Perhaps they will only eat food that is white. And whatever you do, make sure the different food doesn't touch.

Our son Peter started off eating just about everything. In fact, we knew he was ready to start eating solid food when he took a brocoli floweret off Kathleen's fork. But over the last year or so, he has become more picky, even shunning food he once loved.

What to do? We decided that we are not short order cooks. There will be no special meals. Okay, so we fudge that rule a little. There are times when we make something that we're almost positive Peter won't eat. At those times we do make something special for him, and ask that he just try* what we're eating.

But when we've cooked something we know Peter does like, or something that all the major components of the dish Peter likes, he needs to eat it. If he doesn't, that's it. And there will be no dessert.

When he has refused something even though we're sure he would like it if he just tried it, we have not scratched that meal from our repertoire. Instead, we serve it again another time.

Like last night, when I made Boneless Honey Pork Chops (see yesterday's post). A couple week's ago, he refused to even try it -- even though he loves both pork chops and honey. But last night, he ate it all without complaint. Not only that, he loved it!

So, if your children refuse to eat something that you're pretty sure they would like, don't give up on that dish. It may take a while, but most likely, they'll eat it in time.

*Try means to chew and swallow at least one bite.