As a parent, I often find myself juggling countless responsibilities, with the majority centered around my children. I wear many hats — from chauffeur to housekeeper, and even pediatrician. However, one role I refuse to take on is that of a short-order cook. Given my daily commitments, I simply don’t have the time or energy for that.
At every meal — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — I adopt a straightforward “eat it or go hungry” policy. Of course, I take into account any special dietary needs my children might have, but thankfully, they don’t have any. If they turn their noses up at what I serve, it’s simply a matter of being picky, which is a luxury I don’t support. They know the rule: they can refuse to eat, but they’ll have to deal with hunger as a consequence.
I believe my children are lucky to have a mother who puts in the effort to prepare meals that are both nutritious and diverse. If I’m going to invest time in meal planning, cooking, and cleaning up, they’re going to try what’s on their plates. At our dinner table, there’s a firm policy of a “no-thank-you taste” — a single bite of everything served. If they genuinely dislike it, they can opt not to eat, but more often than not, that one bite is enough to dispel their initial hesitations about the food.
Every parent knows that during the early years of their child’s life, especially if they have multiple kids in a row, their own dinner often gets pushed to the back burner. As I chop, pour, and serve, my own meal gets cold and unappetizing. I refuse to complicate matters by preparing separate meals for each child. Why should I let my carefully crafted dinner go cold while I serve up scrambled eggs to one child and a PB&J to another? Absolutely not.
You might be surprised by how effective the eat-it-or-starve rule can be in reducing picky eating. Do my kids have foods they dislike? Of course — they’re human. But by limiting their options to what I serve, they’ve learned to try and even enjoy foods they might have previously avoided without so much as a taste. My children now eat tofu, curry, and even fried calamari. If they don’t enjoy a particular meal? Well, there’s always the next one — maybe it’ll be more to their liking.
Some may see this approach as harsh, but trust me: there’s no real starving under the eat-it-or-starve policy. Kids will eat when they’re hungry, and they will eat what you provide if it’s their only choice. No one is going to starve, and you won’t be hearing knocks on your door from child protective services because you didn’t whip up chicken nuggets when little Mia didn’t want her pork chop. It’s a battle of wills, and as the parent, it’s your responsibility to stand firm.
Involve your kids in the process; let them help choose vegetables or clean fruits. Discover creative ways to sneak in nutrients, like mixing pureed veggies into mac and cheese. And if they still resist eating, consider giving them a multivitamin or nutritional shake — just not right before dinner! I’ve never encountered anyone who grew up malnourished because their parents used the eat-it-or-starve approach. Instead, they become individuals who are open to trying new things at the dinner table and beyond.
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In summary, instilling the eat-it-or-starve mentality not only helps in managing picky eaters but also promotes a healthy relationship with food. By teaching children to appreciate a variety of meals, parents can foster adventurous eaters prepared for future culinary experiences.