By: Samantha Collins
Updated: December 17, 2020
Originally Published: June 23, 2016
In the chaotic realm of parenting, a staggering list of responsibilities often looms large, with the majority aimed at ensuring the well-being of my children. As a parent, I juggle many roles: chauffeur, housekeeper, confidante, pediatrician, and more, including the never-ending cycle of laundry. However, one role that I firmly refuse to take on is that of a short-order cook. With everything else demanding my time, I simply don’t have the luxury to cater to individual culinary whims.
When it comes to mealtime—be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner—I adhere firmly to an “eat-it-or-go-hungry” policy. Of course, I would make accommodations for any special dietary needs or food-related sensory issues, but my children don’t have such concerns. If they express dislike for the meal I’ve prepared, it’s usually just pickiness—a habit I don’t indulge. They are fully aware of the singular rule: they can turn their noses up at the food, but they will face hunger as a consequence.
I believe my children are lucky to have a mother who takes the time to prepare nutritious meals, offering them a range of food options. Therefore, if I’m investing time and effort into meal prep, they are definitely going to sample what I’ve made. At our dinner table, there’s no option to simply push the plate away; they must partake in a “no-thank-you taste” of everything presented. If they genuinely dislike a dish, they can opt not to eat it, but 95% of the time, that one bite convinces them the food isn’t as horrible as they initially thought.
Any parent can relate to the experience of prioritizing their children’s meals, often at the expense of their own. While I chop, serve, and refill drinks for the little ones, my own dinner may end up cold and unappealing. I refuse to complicate matters further by catering to individual preferences. Why should I let my lovingly prepared meal go to waste while serving up a variety of separate dishes? No thank you, I’ll pass on that.
Surprisingly, this “eat-it-or-go-hungry” approach has significantly reduced picky eating. Are there foods my kids refuse? Certainly—they are human, after all. But by limiting their choices to what I serve, they have become more adventurous eaters, trying foods they might have previously ignored. They now enjoy dishes like tofu, fried calamari, curry, and even broccoli. And if they don’t? Well, there’s always the next meal; hopefully, it will be something they find more appealing.
Though it may sound stern, rest assured, there’s no real danger in the “eat-it-or-go-hungry” mantra. Kids will eat when they are hungry—this is a fact backed by experience. They’ll consume whatever is available if it’s their only option. No one is going to suffer severe consequences for not being served their favorite chicken strips instead of pork chops. It’s a matter of asserting parental authority.
Ensure your child arrives at mealtime with an appetite. Engage them in the process; let them help select vegetables, wash fruits, and prepare meals. Employ creative ways to sneak in nutrition, like adding pureed vegetables to familiar dishes. If they still refuse to eat, consider offering a multivitamin gummy or a nutritional shake (just not before dinner). I have yet to meet an adult who faced developmental issues due to a strict “eat-it-or-go-hungry” approach. Instead, they grow up understanding the value of trying new things—both at the table and in life.
For additional insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this excellent resource on the IVF process, which can provide valuable information for those exploring parenthood. Also, for those interested in at-home insemination options, visit this link for more information on how to approach your fertility journey.
Summary:
This article discusses a parenting strategy centered around a firm “eat-it-or-go-hungry” philosophy at mealtimes. By limiting food options to what is served, children are encouraged to try new foods and develop healthier eating habits. Engaging children in meal preparation and ensuring they are hungry can further assist in reducing pickiness. Overall, this method fosters adventurous eating and discourages food waste without compromising nutrition.
Keyphrase: “eat-it-or-go-hungry approach”
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]