By: Jamila Carter
My son stopped eating traditional breakfast cereals around the age of 2 ½, and since then, his meal preferences have taken some surprising turns. More often than not, he opts for fruit snacks. Initially, I resisted, insisting he have something healthier, like actual fruit. However, he stood his ground, and for the sake of my own peace of mind, I eventually gave in and let him enjoy the fruit snacks.
That moment marked a change in my approach to his eating habits. I realized that as long as he was consuming something, I couldn’t be overly concerned about what it was. Our family doesn’t adhere to the typical three-meal structure. Sometimes he wakes up wanting pasta for breakfast or prefers cereal at dinner. While he isn’t particularly picky, he is quite stubborn about his preferences, and fighting over food just isn’t worth it.
I’ve set simple guidelines for his diet: no candy before noon, and he must eat at least one serving of fresh fruit or vegetables each day. Surprisingly, this strategy has worked wonders. We rarely argue about food now, and he consumes enough to keep himself nourished, which feels like a major victory.
Involving Kids in Food Choices
Getting kids to eat can be a struggle for many families. While I don’t claim to be an expert, I can say that we manage to avoid conflicts over food. Grocery shopping with kids can be a challenge, but I’ve noticed that when they feel involved in the process, they are less likely to complain. Allowing them the freedom to make choices seems to encourage a willingness to try new foods. I often present him with two options — for example, “You can have pretzels or cucumbers, but no cookies right now.” This way, it becomes less of a power struggle.
Leading by Example
Leading by example is crucial. If they see you indulging in cookies for breakfast, they will likely want that too. However, if you fill your plate with fruits and vegetables, they may be inspired to give them a try. Of course, some kids will defy the odds, being either picky or adventurous eaters, but the key is to avoid shaming them for their food selections. No matter how bizarre I might find his choice of noodles and cucumbers for breakfast, it’s ultimately his decision. I adapt where necessary because if we don’t appreciate others making our food choices, why should we impose strict rules on our children? Equipping them with the ability to make responsible decisions means eventually allowing them to exercise that freedom.
A Relaxed Approach
After a year of implementing this relaxed approach, I can confidently say it has worked for us. Mealtimes are no longer a battleground. With so many other things to navigate throughout the day, it’s refreshing to eliminate one area of conflict. If he wants peas at 11 AM, I make them; if he asks for pretzels upon waking, I happily oblige. When you ease up on the rules, you’ll often find they follow suit.
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Conclusion
In summary, I’ve discovered that reducing the pressure surrounding food choices fosters a more harmonious mealtime experience. If your child craves something unconventional, consider letting them have it. You may find that easing up leads to a more enjoyable dining experience for everyone involved.