Recently, I attended a children’s birthday celebration. For parents with young children, it often feels like you’re constantly navigating a cycle of birthday parties. As the festivities commenced, the children were still engaged in playful antics, and I took the opportunity to sample the food before it became less than appetizing.
At these gatherings, the food spread is often impressive as parents tend to compete with one another, aiming to outdo the previous event. This unspoken contest results in increasingly delicious offerings at each party.
I piled my plate high with an array of dishes—meatballs, spanakopita, garlic bread, assorted dips, Margherita pizza, and a selection of fruits and vegetables to maintain the illusion of a healthy diet. One of the other parents mentioned her frequent struggle with hunger, citing that she often “forgets” to eat lunch. She explained that her husband sometimes has to remind her to eat by bringing her food. I found this notion bewildering, considering that this gathering was essentially my second lunch of the day.
Honestly, I cannot recall a time when I’ve ever “forgotten” to eat. Since becoming a parent, my relationship with food has only intensified. Sleep deprivation may be part of my routine, but I have no chance of functioning on an empty stomach.
Food serves as my motivation to rise from bed when my son, Ethan, bounds in at the crack of dawn, ready for the day. It provides the energy I need to prepare his lunch, remind him to get dressed for the umpteenth time, and even tackle LEGO sorting with my teeth. It fuels me through showers, wardrobe changes, and the many challenges of getting him to the car for school, despite his desire to construct an elaborate LEGO train with just three pieces.
Even during children’s parties, my ability to handle the chaos hinges on having eaten well. As long as I’ve enjoyed a hearty meal, I can manage the bounce house excitement, direct the children, and console Ethan when his balloon animal pops. I can remind him to wait during cake cutting and maintain my composure when the goody bag loses its contents during the car ride home.
I am a parent who prioritizes nourishment, and I’ve learned that a satisfied stomach equals a capable caregiver. Even if, hypothetically, I were to forget about lunch, I believe that simply walking through my kitchen would trigger an automatic response—a chorus of food calling out to me, ensuring I would never truly skip a meal.
You may have seen survival shows where individuals struggle to find food in the wild, celebrating meager meals after days of deprivation. I cannot even fathom such a scenario; I would certainly not survive long in that environment. Forgetting to eat? It is far more likely that I would forget to breathe.
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Summary
In summary, the idea of “forgetting” to eat is foreign to many parents who juggle various responsibilities. Food plays a crucial role in maintaining energy and patience while navigating the daily challenges of parenthood. Prioritizing meals not only supports personal well-being but also enhances the ability to care for children effectively.