“I am not your servant!” my 6-year-old son proclaimed, hands on his hips and eyebrows raised defiantly. I had just asked him to tidy up his collection of dinosaur books from the living room table to his bedroom. After a brief standoff and a gentle nudge, he complied, reminding me that he had picked up that phrase from me—one that I often use with a sense of authority. It certainly sounds more self-righteous coming from an adult than from a small child.
It’s interesting to note that while we don’t have any actual servants at home, my kids seem to expect to be catered to. I’m not entirely sure where they got this notion. Perhaps it’s from my mother, who has transformed into a doting caregiver: “Can I get you something to eat, sweetheart? Have you had enough?” Or maybe it stems from their infancy, when they relied on me for everything. Could it even be the influence of house-elves from popular stories?
Regardless of the source, my children’s tendency to embody the role of little aristocrats has become a useful tool in my parenting strategy, particularly when it comes to snacks.
For the past seven years, I have navigated the challenges of picky eating, ever since my son transitioned from a food-loving toddler to a discerning eater who would rather go to bed without dinner than touch a ham sandwich. I began my journey with insightful literature on the complexities of picky eating (such as Just Take a Bite by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson) and ensured that both kids were on a reliable multivitamin. While they may be slender, they are maintaining appropriate growth on the charts.
Since I refuse to resort to force-feeding, my children have ended up with a nutritious yet somewhat limited diet. They may encounter a variety of healthy options at mealtime, but they are not compelled to consume them. This has led me to adopt a more stealthy approach, particularly regarding fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
1. Gourmet Offerings, Not Just Snacks
Instead of allowing the kids to grab their own Goldfish or granola bars, I present an appealing platter of sliced fruits, cheeses, whole grain crackers, and fresh vegetables. This strategy works especially well during distraction moments, like when they are engaged with screens.
2. Helper in the Kitchen
When packing lunches, I pre-peel and chop fruits. This week, for instance, my kids are enjoying cherries, which I’ve pitted and stemmed for easier consumption. They disappear faster than snack crackers.
3. Anticipate Their Hunger
I’ve learned that my children are most hungry right after waking up in the morning and just after school. At these times, I make sure healthy snacks are available as I prepare the main meal, and I do so casually to keep the atmosphere light.
4. Be Prepared
When traveling, I pack wholesome snacks to avoid temptations from gas station junk food. If they’re starving and the only options are applesauce or a bag of almonds, they might just choose the healthier alternative.
5. Going the Extra Mile
If my children request a specific treat, I also offer one of my nutritious, prepped alternatives alongside it.
The other day, while I was arranging our snack platter, my mother remarked, “Wow, Jessica, you’ve changed!” I asked her, “What did you offer for snacks when I was a kid?” Her reply was, “We didn’t have snacks in the ’70s.” Exactly. Back then, snacks consisted of a warm soda and a squished cake treat, often inducing feelings of guilt. Modern parenting has learned from those experiences. We now understand that children are more likely to consume what is both tasty and easily accessible. Instead of prohibiting certain foods, we focus on providing them with what is nutritious.
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In summary, by adopting a service-oriented approach to snacks, you can encourage your children to consume healthier options without the struggle of force-feeding. This method not only alleviates mealtime battles but also promotes a positive relationship with food.
Keyphrase: Nutritional Strategies for Picky Eaters
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