Can anyone answer me this: Why on earth is eating dinner such a difficult task with kids?! I think even the calmest of parents can lose their cool when it comes to dinner time and the kids. Every night seems like a constant battle ground… “If you eat 3 more bites, you can have a sip of milk;” “If you eat 5 more bites, you can have a piece of bread;” “If you finish this corner, you can have dessert.” All these teeny tiny rewards “if you can eat this.” What are we training them for? Is there really anything of value being taught during those frustrating moments?
The direct threat of punishment doesn’t seem to do anything but upset them, thus decreasing their appetite; half the time, they cheat the ultimatums saying they ate 3 bites when really it was only 1; and if you ignore the fact that they’re not eating, by the time you’re ready to clean up, their food is cold, congealed, and hasn’t been touched. Another factor, which puts any parent or care-giver stuck between a rock and a hard place, is the country’s growing concern with childhood obesity. So is it really necessary to teach them to clear their plates? Does that teach them bad food habits if we make them eat everything we put on their plates? I mean they do have tiny bellies…can they really pack away THAT much food? On the hand, they are growing boys and girls who need to take in enough vitamins and nutrients to help their growing process. So what does one do?!
It such a sticky situation and it involves a boat-load of patience, some tolerance, and a whole lot of compromise…and if you’re lucky, maybe even some humor when they surprise you with insane reasons as to why they cannot eat what is on their plate.
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