As a parent of a selective eater, I’ve come to accept that kids have their own unique approach to mealtime. No amount of pleading, coaxing, or even bribery can change their food preferences. Picky eaters have a set of unyielding rules that govern their dining decisions. Understanding these guidelines is essential because they’re not going away anytime soon:
- Bright Colors Are Suspicious
Beige foods are typically viewed as the most appealing: think rice, pasta, and bagels. They serve as a blank slate, ready for just a hint of color like a smidgen of tomato sauce or a dollop of cream cheese. Voilà! - Ketchup Reigns Supreme
Never leave home without it. This magical red sauce can transform even the most unusual foods into something palatable. - Crusts Are Off-Limits
Do not let these perceived dangers come anywhere near our plates. - Flavor of the Month Must Be Respected
Just because they enjoyed something last week doesn’t mean they’re obligated to eat it again next month. - Chicken Fingers Are the Exception to Crust Rules
They must eat all of the crunchy coating but only a fraction of the chicken itself. It’s a math lesson in disguise! - Fruit Snacks Are Just as Good as Real Fruit
Obviously. - Green Specks Are to Be Avoided
Anything green on the plate is a definite no-go. A dramatic display, such as throwing the plate on the floor, might be necessary to convey the seriousness of the situation. - No Food Contact Allowed
Foods must not touch or mingle. This is non-negotiable. - Shapes Matter
Food is much tastier when cut into specific shapes—today it’s diamonds, tomorrow who knows? - Mealtimes Are an Inconvenience
The best times to express hunger are roughly 45 minutes before a meal, an hour after it, or right as they’re being tucked into bed.
As I sip my red wine, which I like to think of as a serving of fruit, I can’t help but understand where the kids are coming from. As long as they continue to grow and occasionally stray from their strict food rules, we’ll manage just fine. And for most days, that’s more than enough. For additional insights on dealing with picky eaters, check out this helpful blog post.
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In summary, understanding the peculiar food preferences of our little ones can make meal times a lot smoother. Embrace their quirks, and remember: as long as they’re growing and thriving, you’re doing just fine.
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