The Food Issue

I'm addressing something here that I know many, many parents are dealing with. And it's called, Picky Eating. I think all kids go through a phase of being a bit finicky. Leah certainly did, though she's growing out of that and is willing to try most things now. Hannah--in all her stubborn, independent glory--takes picky eating to a new level.

A week or so ago, my mom made a highly delicious homemade stew and rolls meal. Hannah walked up to the table and started screaming "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME EAT THAT!!" over and over. I said, "Hannah, no one is making you eat. But you're ruining our dinner by screaming at everyone." She started shaking her finger at us and announced "I'm making my own dinner! I'm going to eat whatever I want!" And she did. She scooted a chair around the kitchen and made herself a peanut butter sandwich, carrots and ranch dip. She cut the sandwich in fourths and ate her own meal.

Some people find this behavior offensive. Their philosophy is that you eat what is put in front of you and don't complain about it. I agree with the don't complain part. Parents today learn that forcing a kids to eat can cause issues with food later on (like eating disorders) and doesn't teach a child to listen to their body; eat when you're hungry, stop when you're full.

I know that this post has already gone on too long and I'm losing some of you, so I'll stop at this paragraph. With Hannah, everything is about control. I've decided to not make food an issue since we have so many power struggles each day ("No, you may not go shopping with me in that swimsuit."). If she refuses to eat, fine. She can make her own food. Luckily, the 5 things she will eat are pretty healthy. For journaling purposes, I'm jotting down that list. Maybe I'll laugh about this someday? Sure, why not :).

1)fruit
2)Triscuit
3)cheese
4)pb&j
5)carrots
6)chocolate


Hannah defiantly, proudly displays her OWN MEAL. 

Comments

Jacob said…
You posted this at 5:50 AM...yuck.
March 25, 2011 at 11:48 AM
Unknown said…
What can I say, my life is awesome. At least fatigue isn't making me grumpy or act a little weird.
March 25, 2011 at 1:47 PM
Jacob said…
Do you have to get your degree and everything so fast? Can't you take it a bit slower? You will burn out at this pace!!
March 25, 2011 at 4:34 PM
Unknown said…
I think I'm already burnt out :(. I have to stick with my 'cohort'--the people that all got accepted at the time as me--and we take the classes and practicums together. I just might die a slow, sleepless death in the process.
March 25, 2011 at 7:49 PM
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