Recently, my third-grader shared an interesting encounter. An aide at his school questioned his choice of lunch, which mainly consisted of snack items, and suggested he opt for something more nutritious. “Mom,” he said, “maybe you should start packing me sandwiches again.”
Honestly, I found it amusing. The last few sandwiches I packed ended up untouched. Peanut butter and jelly? Too mushy. Nutella? Not enough of it. Cheese sandwiches? Soggy. The saga continues. I’ve tried thermoses filled with pasta and even leftovers from his favorite dinners, but no luck. Most of the time, his lunch returns with just one little nibble or completely untouched.
Can you tell my son is a picky eater? At just 9 years old, he’s quite the challenge when it comes to meal times. Although he’s improved at home and eats reasonably well—fruits, vegetables, and proteins, albeit not necessarily what everyone else is having—school is a different story. The lunchroom is chaotic, and it’s his chance to catch up with friends rather than focus on eating. Plus, I swear he has an extraordinary number of taste buds and a nose like a bloodhound. The cafeteria food simply doesn’t appeal to him.
While my son hasn’t been diagnosed with any sensory processing issues, he exhibits several symptoms—sensitivity to clothing, a low pain threshold, and that notoriously picky palate. Over the years, I’ve learned to pick my battles. Picky eating can extend beyond toddlerhood for some kids, and according to parenting expert Sarah Thompson, it’s perfectly normal for such behaviors to persist until around age 10 or even into adolescence.
To ensure he doesn’t starve—and because I know he eats well at home—I fill his lunch box with foods that he enjoys. Yes, that often means granola bars, cheese crackers, and if I’m fortunate, a bag of nuts or a box of raisins. I strive to balance protein with carbs, but fruits and vegetables are a no-go unless we’re at home.
It’s not an ideal situation, but like many parents, I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got. For now, I’m relieved that he comes home with anything eaten at all.
As for that comment from the school aide? I get her perspective. If I were to glance inside my son’s lunch box, I might be concerned too. I might even question whether I’m unaware of nutritional guidelines or simply being lazy. However, I wouldn’t voice those concerns. After all, judging a child’s lunch box is far too simplistic to assess their overall diet. Just as I wouldn’t judge another parent based on their kid’s messy hair or wrinkled clothes, I cannot presume to know the full story of what’s happening in another family.
I’m not suggesting the aide was outright critical; her question was fairly innocent. However, I know such remarks can carry an undertone of judgment, and my son certainly sensed the criticism. When I asked if he truly wanted me to pack sandwiches he wouldn’t eat, he mentioned he didn’t want one—he just didn’t want to appear unusual to the school staff. Soon after, he moved on and so did I.
Yet, I was left with a lingering feeling of vulnerability. For a brief moment, I considered calling the school to explain my son’s lunch choices, but I quickly realized that I had nothing to prove. It would be foolish to defend my 9-year-old’s eating habits.
This experience reminded me of how susceptible we parents are to criticism. Even after nearly a decade of raising kids, I still find myself overthinking my child’s lunch choices! Unfortunately, I’m sure that scrutiny regarding how I feed my children—and countless other judgments about my parenting—will persist, even as they grow older. However, with time, I’m learning to let it roll off my back.
If you’re grappling with similar experiences, you might find solace in this insightful post about navigating parenting challenges. And for those considering at-home options, reputable retailers like Make A Mom offer great products for at-home insemination kits.
In summary, parenting is filled with challenges, and dietary preferences can add an extra layer of complexity. It’s essential to choose battles wisely and to be kind to ourselves amidst the criticism.
Leave a Reply