“I’m not your assistant,” my 6-year-old son proclaimed, arms crossed defiantly, as I asked him to relocate his stack of comic books from the kitchen table to his bedroom. After a firm reminder and a little coaxing, he complied. It was amusing to realize he picked up that phrase from me—one of my go-to lines. It sounds so much more authoritative when I say it compared to when it comes from a pint-sized powerhouse.
It doesn’t matter that we don’t actually have servants at home; somehow, the kids have developed an expectation of being catered to. I’m not entirely sure where this notion originated. Maybe it’s from my mother, who has transformed into a caring caregiver: “Do you need anything, darling? Have you had enough to eat?” Or perhaps it’s a remnant from their baby days when they relied on me for everything. Could it be the mischievous house elves from the Harry Potter series?
Regardless of the source, my children’s inclination to act like mini royals is so pronounced that I’ve learned to leverage it to benefit them—and me too.
I’ve taken on the role of a “snack servant” to address their picky eating habits.
I’ve been grappling with fussy eating for seven years, ever since my son transitioned from a curious food explorer to a stubborn child who’d opt to sleep hungry rather than eat a simple sandwich. I began my journey with a thoughtful parenting book that tackled the intricacies of picky eating (Just Take a Bite by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson), and I ensured my children took a quality multivitamin. While they may be on the slim side, both kids consistently meet their height and weight milestones.
Since I refuse to engage in force-feeding, their diet has ended up being healthy yet somewhat narrow. They might see a variety of nutritious foods on their plates, but they aren’t compelled to eat them. This reality has pushed me to adopt creative strategies, particularly when it comes to sneaking in fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
1. Gourmet Snack Platters
Rather than allowing my kids to grab Goldfish crackers or granola bars, I prepare an inviting platter of sliced fruits, cheeses, whole grain crackers, and fresh veggies—all ready for them to munch on. This tactic works particularly well when they’re distracted, like during screen time.
2. Preparation is Key
When packing fruit for lunch, I take the extra step to peel and chop it beforehand. This week, my kids enjoyed cherries, which I pitted with a handy little tool, making them disappear faster than any processed snack.
3. Anticipate Their Hunger
I’ve noticed my kids tend to get hungriest right after waking up or after school. I make sure to have healthy snacks readily available during these times, all while casually preparing the main meal.
4. Plan Ahead
I always pack nutritious snacks for our outings to prevent them from being lured into unhealthy gas station treats. If they’re famished and the only options are applesauce or a baggie of almonds, they might just surprise me by choosing the healthier option.
5. Always Offer Alternatives
If my kids request a specific snack or I’m serving something indulgent, I also make sure to provide one of my healthy, prepped alternatives.
The other day, while I was busy arranging our snack platter, my mother remarked, “My goodness, Jamie, what has become of you?”
“Well, what did you have for snacks when I was young?” I inquired.
“We didn’t really have snacks in the ’70s,” she replied.
Exactly! Back in my childhood, snacks consisted of a lukewarm can of soda and a squished pastry stolen from the cupboard. They were often a source of embarrassment. Thankfully, today’s parents have learned from those calorie-counting days. We understand that kids are more likely to eat what’s tasty and easily accessible. So instead of focusing on what they can’t have, we present them with healthier options.
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In summary, by embracing the role of a snack servant, I’ve found a way to encourage my kids to enjoy healthier foods while navigating their picky eating habits. With a little creativity and planning, it’s possible to turn snack time into a nutritious experience for the whole family.
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