Why oh why have meals become such a battle?
Munchkin has been a great eater her whole life. Of course we have had our battles in the past. There was the point where I had thought we might have a vegetarian on our hands (nothing wrong with that !), and over time she started eating meat. We have had the nights where the Pasta Sauce was too spicy (despite it being the same brand she has had since UTERO!)
Our more recent battles have been that of ultimate proportions. One would think she might just want chicken nuggets and mac and cheese… nope not our issues. She will ask for her typical favorites for times when she can make choices (breakfast/lunch) and for dinner she gets the family meal. Almost every single meal is a debacle.
I have taken the approach of well…”Munchkin, if you aren’t hungry you don’t have to eat; however, you can have it for the next meal.” I mostly do this to avoid getting frustrated! Outside I do my best to be cool and calm… but on the inside this is making me insanely crazy!!!!!
Seriously, it doesn’t matter the meal; toast, pancakes, eggs, yogurt parfaits, pizza, chicken, hot dogs, pork chops, pasta…. ANYTHING! Now, I know what you might be thinking… maybe Mae gives her too many snacks? NOPE… NONE if she doesn’t eat a meal and usually she gets one a day. Some Veggie Straws, a few crackers, Pirate’s Booty, nothing super filling.
Rand McNally and I agreed that her clearing her plate wasn’t needed for every meal. Most times she takes a bite or 2 before saying she is full. Her milk is usually not even given to her until she has 4-5 bites.
We have decided if she refuses a meal she gets to see it at the next meal because I HATE to waste food! There are so many people who don’t have food at their disposal like we do. Usually by the next meal she is more willing to eat. I hate it though… I hate this BATTLE.
I am also fearful of what she is teaching Peanut. Peanut is already proving to be pickier then Munchkin was at this point. I have got to come up with something that makes meal times more enjoyable… for ALL of us.
Suggestions PLEASE!!!
Erik was the worst until 11 and then became a foodie. Having him help me in the kitchen helped. He loved home made veggie soup with mini chicken meat balls and would eat it day after day. Peanut butter was a favorite, guess what he was allergic to. Puree veggies & add it to meat balls or meat loaf. Hummis & veggies as mid day snack works too. Try at least 5 meals not 3. Apples & peanut butter string cheese. Make portions small not to over whelm her. if she is done eating she has to sit & behave at the table until everyone is done. Avoiding food to go play is an old trick. Don’t make eating an issue so as to avoid future issues. Give her a multi vitamin avoid sweats, take a deep breath,this will pass. Something new will come up. She is bright and will challenge you. It’s her job.
I don’t have a suggestion right now. I will say that Mini is fighting us on food right now, too. And don’t even get me started on Big Man & Little Man!!! I welcome any & all suggestions, too. :-}
My girls always eat less as the day goes on. Dinner is the worst, especially for my 3.5 year old. She eats a huge lunch and small snack and then just a few bites at dinner. I think it is pretty normal. I read somewhere that a toddler has received 85% of their daily needed nutrition by the time dinner rolls around anyway
So a few bite may be all she needs!
And, I must add, I don’t always keep my crazy inside. I must know your secret for staying cool and calm
K is somewhat of a fussy eater. I ended up buying sectioned plates from target that has one large section (think index card sized), 2 smaller ones and an itty bitty one (for condiments). She gets whatever we are having for dinner, but in the itty bitty section, she gets something healthy and guaranteed – a few raisins, a slice or orange, etc to jump start her. It seems to work. And when she refuses everything, she gets a veggie pouch.