I’ve come to accept that I will never be the mom who meticulously crafts Instagram-worthy meals for my child. And you know what? I’m okay with that. My little one has a pretty consistent dinner routine—he eats the same thing most nights.
Now, I have nothing against moms who enjoy creating elaborate, healthy meals that look like they belong in a magazine. But after numerous attempts at Pinterest-inspired recipes, I’ve realized that it’s just not my style.
Whenever I do venture onto Pinterest, I’m bombarded with photos of impressive meals, where moms transform ordinary food into adorable shapes—think carrot turkeys or sandwich animals. That’s just not how things roll in my kitchen.
Here’s the thing: My son doesn’t really eat a wide array of foods. In fact, he gravitates towards the same few choices nearly every day. Before you judge me as a lazy or self-absorbed parent (which, I admit, I can be), let me explain.
The main reason I don’t go all out in preparing different meals is that my son is only two and a half. We all know the challenges that come with this age. For us, that means dealing with a picky eater who often decides that scrounging for sweets is preferable to what’s on his plate. If I’m lucky enough to see him finish even half of his meal, it feels like a small victory worth celebrating.
Honestly, I refuse to invest three hours creating fancy meals only for him to toss them on the floor for the dog. Plus, let’s be real—culinary skills aren’t my strong suit. Motherhood may transform you in many ways, but it doesn’t magically turn you into a master chef if that’s not your thing.
In my early attempts at parenting, I tried to be the mom who prepared everything from scratch, only to find it led to chaos and stress. I’ve accepted that I’m not the type to express love through gourmet cooking—it would be an insult to both his palate and my sanity.
Our choice to stick to a limited menu isn’t entirely reckless; the three meals we serve are age-appropriate and provide a decent balance of nutrition. Yes, I could certainly explore more varied options for his meals. However, I’m not keen on reinventing the wheel at this stage of parenting.
His meals typically include a protein, a grain, some veggies, and plenty of fruit. His snacks offer calcium, and trust me, he drinks more water than many toddlers. Our pediatrician reassures us that he’s not at risk of malnutrition—he’s a solid little guy! For now, our approach works, so why fix what isn’t broken?
Of course, I hope he expands his palate as he gets older; it would certainly make things easier. But as a mom of one (with another on the way), I have enough on my plate. Variety in meals just isn’t a priority right now. Eventually, we may need to reassess; what he enjoys now won’t hold him through his teenage years. Until then, we’re sticking to the idea that a limited menu with decent nutrition is way better than a child refusing to eat altogether.
In conclusion, it’s all about finding what works for your family. For us, a few simple meals provide comfort without the hassle. Take a look at this resource for more information on family planning and this link to learn about privacy concerns. And if you’re interested in at-home options, check out this site for expert advice on insemination kits.
Summary
The author embraces a simple approach to meals for their young child, opting for a limited menu that ensures adequate nutrition without the stress of elaborate cooking. They acknowledge the challenges of picky eating and prioritize practicality over presentation, focusing on what works for their family.