As a busy parent, my to-do list is overflowing, and most of it revolves around my kids. I juggle countless roles—chauffeur, housekeeper, therapist, pediatrician, and of course, laundry attendant. However, one role I refuse to take on is that of a short-order cook. Between all my other responsibilities, I simply don’t have the time for it.
When it comes to meals—whether breakfast, lunch, or dinner—I firmly adhere to the “eat it or go hungry” approach. Of course, I would make accommodations if my kids had special dietary needs or sensory issues, but that’s not the case here. If they turn up their noses at what I’ve prepared, they’re just being picky, and that’s a habit I don’t cater to. It’s straightforward: they can choose to refuse their meal, but that means they’re going to feel hungry later—no exceptions.
I believe my children are lucky to have a mom who cooks for them and provides a variety of nutritious foods. After all the effort I put into planning, shopping, and cooking, they are definitely going to try what’s on their plates. At our dinner table, we have a rule: no plate pushing without what we call a “no-thank-you bite”—a taste of everything served. If they truly dislike it, they can opt not to eat, but 95% of the time, that bite is enough to show them it’s not as bad as they thought, even if they initially describe it as “yucky” or “lumpy” or something equally dramatic.
Every parent knows that while raising kids, your own meal often takes a backseat as you slice their food, pour drinks, and fetch napkins. By the time you finally sit down, your dinner is cold. So, I refuse to complicate things by preparing separate meals. Letting my kids choose what to eat would mean my carefully prepared dish goes to waste while I whip up a series of different meals for each child. Not happening—sorry, not sorry.
You might be surprised at how effective the eat-it-or-hungry rule can be in reducing picky eating. Do my kids have foods they don’t like? Absolutely—they’re kids! However, by limiting their choices to what I serve, they have been encouraged to try and even enjoy foods they might have previously dismissed without a taste. Now they eat tofu, fried calamari, curry, colcannon, banana peppers, and more. And if they don’t like it? Well, there’s always the next meal.
It may sound a bit tough, but trust me, there’s no real starvation with the eat-it-or-hungry approach. You’ve probably heard it before, but it’s true: Kids will eat when they’re hungry. They’ll consume what you offer as long as it’s their only choice. No one is going to waste away just because you didn’t make chicken nuggets when they wanted them. It’s really about establishing authority, and as the parent, that’s your role.
Make sure your kids are genuinely hungry at mealtime. Involve them in the process—let them pick out veggies, wash fruits, and even help prepare the food. There are so many clever ways to sneak in nutrients, like adding pureed squash to mac and cheese. If they still refuse to eat, consider a multivitamin gummy or a nutritional shake (but not just before dinner!). I’ve never met anyone who grew up malnourished due to the eat-it-or-hungry philosophy. Instead, they become adults who aren’t afraid to try new things—at the table and in life.
This article was originally published on June 23, 2016.
For more tips on home insemination and enhancing fertility, check out this article on nutritional supplements. You can also find great resources at Progyny’s blog for those navigating pregnancy and home insemination. And if you want to delve deeper into home insemination methods, you might find our post on intracervical insemination helpful.
Summary:
In this article, Lisa Johnson shares her straightforward approach to mealtime with her children, emphasizing the “eat it or go hungry” philosophy. By limiting options and encouraging kids to try everything on their plates, she has successfully reduced picky eating and ensured they’re getting a variety of nutritious foods. The article also encourages parental involvement in food preparation and offers resources for those interested in home insemination and fertility.