Thanks to all of you for your amazing comments on my last post. They warmed this Momma’s heart. However. I am taking the advice of OMSH and Jessica and blowing that post to smithereens.
I do not want to leave anything on the Internet that might hurt my children.The cute photos are re-posted here for posterity.
Cute
Miss Emily
Hey!
Proud of her bad self
***
I (vaguely) remember the months before the birth of our first born child. We read books, we talked to people, WE HAD IT FIGURED OUT.
Then we gave birth to our son and started on the journey from baby-dom to toddler-hood.
Going in, we were convinced that our kids would be Good Eaters. The would eat what we ate, lick their plates clean, and bow in thanks to the hands that prepared their meals.
Reality is a bit of a skank, no?
For Graham (our first-born) was a great eater…until about the age of one. Then he spit out nearly anything and everything that we fed him.
Being the new and naive parent that I was, I would make a separate meal for him. I was so frightened that his little tummy would starve (Hello, we are not in Africa) that I would make a separate meal for him.
This trend continued after the arrival of Nathan. He was not just picky; he has a stellar gag reflex that kicks in at the most wonderful times.
Hi! Thanks for inviting us for dinner! Please excuse me while I wipe my son’s vomit off of your table and floor.
Sigh.
When we had Emily, we decided to make a change. One meal for the whole family. None of this “baby food” for the baby. She was in the second half of her first year. She could eat what we ate. As could the boys.
This is all great…in theory. But while Graham and Emily will eat fruit, meat and starches (potatoes, rice, bread), they eschew any and all vegetables. Nathan? He is a whole other level of food rejection. We are not sure how he manages to stay alive on what he eats. Seriously.
We have heard of people who serve their kids what they have for supper (as we do). If their meal is not eaten at dinner time, they serve it for breakfast. If it is not eaten for breakfast, they serve it for lunch.
Which is fine and good if that’s how you roll. Your house, your rules.
We, as a parenting couple, choose not to do the same. We feel that we spend the bulk of our day training our kids in the way they should go.
Clean up your toys. Say Sorry, Please, Thank you.
The dinner table is a place where we all come to eat together, to share our day. We do not want it to be yet another battleground.
In my desire to get my kids to have some vegetables in their system, I bought Deceptively Delicious (Don’t judge me). I don’t use many of the recipes, but I have managed to sneak some vegetable purees into dinners that I serve to my children.
(And also to my vegetable-avoiding nineteen-year-old brother. Shhhh.)
I put cauliflower in pancakes and bake zucchini and carrot muffins that go down the hatch without a problem. This is all great and fine for snacks, but we need meals. A large part of it is that the kids do not like the same flavours that I do. Our routine is that they have to take at least one bite of each item on their plate and then tell us if it is “Yummy or Yucky”. Sometimes they surprise us and say “Yummy”, but more often than not Graham will get an involuntary shiver and Nathan will spew forth what food he actually has eaten.
Barf. It’s what’s for dinner.
We give our kids vitamins to ensure they get the nutrients they need. However. I would like to cook balanced meals that the whole family can enjoy. We keep trying new recipes in the hopes that we can find a rotation that everyone enjoys. Or at least do not upchuck all over the dining room furniture.
Nathan’s gag reflex seems particularly active when meat is involved. I think he gets that from me; if my meat is in any way “off”, I will have nothing to do with it. Matthew is totally willing to eat vegetarian meals, but I don’t know where to start. Is there a good cookbook/Internet resources out there?
Do you have any kid (And adult!) friendly recipes that you can share?
I really do not want to resort to eating Kraft Dinner and grilled cheese every. single. night. for the sake of meal time harmony.
*If you know the song in this title you are as old (and dorky) as I am. My condolences.
I’m guessing the song you’re referring to is Beat It. At least that’s what I came up with. LOL
I can completely feel your pain on the eating thing. My now 6 year old wouldn’t even touch a veggie. We are making progress now, but it’s a slow go. My 4 year old will eat most things and my 3 year old will eat ANYTHING. even brussel sprouts. She will eat the things her oldest sister won’t just so there isn’t a battle. haha. Sisterly love.
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I agree with them. I think it’s better that you’ve changed it up.
I just hate people.
I talked to my doctor about the meat issue and it seems to be the texture along with the chewing. Carter hates it too, but we’ve been much more successful with cutting it into itty bitty pieces (he’s three) and haven’t had many complaints about it since.
sam {temptingmama}’s last blog post..On Screaming Snot-nosed Children (Yours, Not Mine)
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I kind of hate Weird Al, but I have Michael Jackson in my head now!
By the way, there is nothing I love more than a little girl in white tights – so girly and cute! And her outfit is adorable! I’m glad that you took down the hateful stuff that transpired, but also that you took the time to warn others about it. The Internet can be a scary place – and I guess we have to remember that from time to time. Just wanted to let you know that I think that Emily looks beautiful in these pictures – but you already knew that!
Can’t help you with the veggie – I don’t have kids yet and I always loved my vegetables.
TUWABVB’s last blog post..The Art of Sarcasm
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We have the same book and it gave us lots of ideas for integrating more veggies with our boys. Have you tried the Chocolate chip cookies with chick peas yet? If not they are fabulous and everyone that we have given them to love them. Great way to get protein into the kids along with lots of fiber . . . and a little chocolate too
TheAngelForever’s last blog post..Fright Fest 2008
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I’m glad you got rid of it.
I am sad and angry on your behalf.
Emily is beautiful – I hold out hope that one day she and (my) Graham will marry…:-)
Don Mills Diva’s last blog post..One
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I would be more than happy with that arrangement – that Graham of yours is a sweetheart!
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Ahhh… weird Al. Haven’t heard any of his parodies in a long time.
I wish I could help with your food conundrum. I don’t have kids so I haven’t had to tackle that quite yet.
K’s last blog post..Hiking and Halloween
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Good choice on the post.
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting the Deceptively Delicious or Sneaky Chef books… just to get veggies in my husband! Sad, huh?
And I do know your title reference… my hubby and I even went to a Weird Al concert. It was really good!
Jill – GlossyVeneer’s last blog post..Healthy Halloween?
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Joshie’s my non-eater. he is going to be 6 in a few days and weighs 34 pounds. he’s skin wrapped around bone. it’s gross, actually. what i do at dinnertime is offer what i’m making for the rest of the family. if he wants it, fine. (he never does) if he doesn’t want it, he can have a peanut butter sandwich. that’s his only other option. sometimes he takes it, sometimes he goes without dinner.
and then you can sure as hell bet he’s eating 4 bowls of cereal or oatmeal or waffles for breakfast. but most of the time, he’ll opt for the sandwich, because he’s hungry. and he knows he’s getting nothing else.
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Graham and Marin sound very similar as far as eating when they were little. Marin has come a long way in the past 6-8 months but it took some work. It was worth it though and she now basically eats what we eat.
I recently found this recipe for mini meat loaf that we all really like, you can sneak veggies into it.
http://mmm-mmmgood.blogspot.com/2008/10/mini-meat-loaves.html
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I’m obviously just as dorky as you are.
Gotta love Weird Al. I’ve had “Like a Surgeon” stuck in my head for some reason. Maybe it’s because of all the Madonna songs the radio stations have been playing this week. 
I have no advice for getting your kids to eat healthier. I was a pretty picky eater as a child, and my parents would often do the same things – add zucchini & carrots to muffins, etc. Hopefully you’ll find something that will work for all of you!
Sharon’s last blog post..Light therapy
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Will your kids eat spaghetti? I blitz up carrots, onions, celery, garlic and zucchini in the food processor until it’s a paste. I cook it for a few minutes in olive oil and then add ground beef. It’s about 50% veggies, 50% meat. Once the meat is browned I add tinned tomatoes, tomato paste and some spices. You can’t taste the vegetables at all but they’re in there. I do the same thing when I make chili.
hills’s last blog post..Wasted Like You’re Losing Your Job You’re So Fired
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They don’t like ground beef, but do like noodles. I bought a food processor at Costco and plan on pureeing everything I can
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My 6 yr old boy had a huge gag reflex issue with foods that go squish. Now he is doing much better. I have found (I also have a 12 yr old boy) that if I put it on the table and give them a serving they eventually start to eat it. So I don’t have any weird rules about making them eat everything on their plate or anything. But I also do not make seperate meals, instead I compromise, one night we might have something the 6yr old does not like, the next night we have something he likes.
As for recipes – how about sloppy joes – w/ lean ground beef and wheat buns – really easy to make homemade. We also eat a lot of grilled chicken – you can slice it real thin for the kids and put in a whole grain tortilla w/ cheese.
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Graham and Emily like grilled chicken (we eat a lot of it too). Nathan…gags. I’ve thought about pureeing meat, but wonder if I should use more beans as a protein source – I think they’d puree easier
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I recently read that a person needs to try something 12 times before they’ll develop a taste for it. Of course they were talking about adults and not puking children but I found that interesting. I guess a person needs to just keep introducing it in the hopes that one day, they’ll try it and may even give the “yummy” grade.
Laurie’s last blog post..W-H-A-T???
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My one nephew, he eats everything. I think because my sister was kind of told him he had to when he was really little and well, my sister is kind of scary sometimes.
My brother and SIL baby their two kids into eating. Those two are smart enough to know that if they don’t want to eat it, they won’t have to because mom will cave and they’ll still end up getting dessert. I think this is the most important thing I have learned for when I become a parent – don’t be a huge pushover.
Kristabella’s last blog post..How To Follow That Post Up?
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Weird Al
Anyway, like you, I was also firmly determined to NOT have picky eaters in my house. Older son was fine. Younger one became picky over night. Literally. Ate everything one day, became picky the next and wouldn’t touch something he ate with gusto the day before. Who knows why.
I did the separate meal thing for a bit, but once he turned 4, that was it. He had to eat what we ate, but I was willing to modify a bit … no sauce on the spaghetti, raw carrots instead of cooked etc.
I also had a rule that he had to take at 3 bites to decide if he liked something or not. I would try then to not give him those foods for a while, but he also had a 3 bite rule – he had to take at least 3 bites of everything on his plate. He was the type of kid who would then get those 3 bites out of the way and then settled to enjoy the things he did like
He also would only eat 2 out of 3 meals in the day. He wasn’t filling up on snacks or juice or anything, that was just the way he was. And it wasn’t always the same meal that he missed … he just wouldn’t eat well for one meal.
Fast forward to one kid now 22years old, the other 18-1/2. Neither of my kids is fat and the younger one is heavily into sports. Both have their food likes and dislikes, but don’t we all? And both will try just about anything and will attempt to eat everything that is served to them .. or least eat something of everything that is served. The younger one is still picky in that he doesn’t like his food touching other foods on his plate, so he isn’t a fan of stews but he survives
My brother went through a horribly picky stage when he was young … probably up until he was about 10 years old. He wouldn’t put milk on his cereal. He would only eat the noodles out of his Lipton’s Chicken Noodle Soup (guess who was stuck with the broth) For about 6 weeks, he only would eat hot dogs. Then he went through an egg phase. He wouldn’t eat chocolate. My mother used to try to sneak protein and veggies and the like into his food because she was worried. Going on vacation was a nightmare with him sometimes.
Our doctor told her to look at the long range … if in 6 months he gets a good variety, then all is good. So, she let up, stopped worrying and gradually he came around. He is now in his 40′s and quite healthy and eats just about anything and is even adventuresome when it comes to trying foods.
I don’t if this helps, but thought I would let you know that you are not alone with the picky eaters
Helen’s last blog post..tall purple flowers
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I remember skating to that song at a school skating rink party…on the old-fashioned skates, not rollerblades.
Would it make you feel better to know that I was an extremely picky eater as a kid? I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch every single day from grades 1-3. No, really. I would eat iceberg lettuce and raw carrots and canned corn, and that was about it for veggies. And now that I’m an adult, I will eat SO many things I wouldn’t have touched with a ten-foot pole as a kid. Many of my dislikes had to do with textures or strong smells, and I think most people learn to deal with those as they get older. It sounds like texture might be a lot of Nathan’s problem too. I never had the gag reflex he did, but I’m sympathetic. I remember being forced to eat pork & beans once and just gagging the whole time, nauseated by the smell and texture. I still can’t stand canned pork & beans, though I do love many other kinds of beans.
My mom says she tried to always make sure to offer at least one vegetable at each dinner that she knew my brother and I liked. If we didn’t like what was served, we were free to get ourselves a bowl of Cheerios or instant oatmeal and eat that instead.
I’m sorry I don’t have any ground-breaking recipes to share! If I think of any I’ll let you know. I think pureeing veggies and sticking them into spaghetti sauce (or soup! do your kids like soup?) is a great idea.
bethany actually’s last blog post..And the winners of the Halloween giveaway are…
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The one thing that I found that has worked wonders is giving them a cup of cut up fresh vegetables while they are watching t.v. every night. Red peppers, baby carrots, celery.. whatever. They always love to snack on something while they are watching a show and I usually do it as I’m making dinner. I don’t ask if they want it, I just hand it to them and they tend to just eat it up not even thinking about it or putting up a fight that its vegetables.
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http://masalamagic.blogspot.com/
try this site. I am a vegetarian by birth/religion.
There are tons of ways to include veges in food. Find recepies from here that you can use.
hope it helps.
Keyomi Kothari’s last blog post..SWAP Old toys, books etc for New ones!
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We get Hudson to eat a lot of things he normally spits out, by allowing him to dip it in ketchup. Before he was born I don’t think I ever went through a whole bottle of ketchup before it got tossed in the garbage (because I was suspicious of it having gone bad).
P.S. I think you were right on about deleting your last post.
joyce’s last blog post..Fun weekend
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I was totally going to write a related post – in FINISHING everything that’s on a kid’s plate. Blah blah blah.
My sister just came to visit, and she’s a vegetarian. I found some great recipes on allrecipes.com. They had a great one for Addictive Sweet Potato Burritos (I’m too lazy to link, but that’s the title). They have lots of other yummy ones as well that my husband and children enjoyed. (Shockingly.)
Good luck! If you find some stellar recipes, feel free to share them!! (Hint hint.)
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Ode to my Family: Teresa
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I make a yummy dish that my family has dubbed “vegetable pizza”. It’s kinda like a quiche made on the stovetop. I don’t really have exact measurements. You basically beat about 10-12 eggs & pour them in a skillet & add toppings. We usually top the egg mixture with a cauliflower & broccoli mix, pepperoni, and shredded cheese. That’s all there is to it, just cook at a medium-low heat until it’s set! You really can let your imagination run wild with the toppings though. We’ve used cubed ham, chunks of apple & cheddar cheese before. Most importantly, the kiddos love it and it’s healthy!
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I put lentils in spaghetti sauce instead of meat. I do the same thing for lasagne. I put tofu in stir fry. This is my favourite food blog:http://definitelynotmartha.blogspot.com/ and she does quite a bit of veg stuff.
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I still hate most vegetables, but like them a lot better raw than cooked.
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I’ve posted a heap of recipes on my blog, just click on the “recipes” category and have a browse. A lot of them we have found to be extremely “kid-friendly”, particularly my lasagne! I have friends who cook this version and it’s called “Hannah’s lasagne”, despite the fact I use a packet mix as my base and then add “extra” stuff.
My kids can be picky at times, although they eat most things now. I have always made ONE meal for my family. If they don’t like it, they go hungry. Period.
But I still like to “sneak” veggies into my dinners, so they get more than they realise. I grate mushrooms, zucchini, carrot, pumpkin into mince and NOBODY NOTICES. You can bulk out mince really well by doing this, and use it for a multitude of dishes – spag bol, lasagne, nachos, burrittos, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf, etc. Just change up the seasonings to suit.
Hannah’s last blog post..By any other name?
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emailed you some – not sure if they will work but they could be new ones for the adults if anything! lol..
Holly’s last blog post..I’d Like U To Meet Someone?
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Good call to pull the post…some things kids should never, ever know about. If only it were as easy to delete what other kids say to them…
I don’t have any great advice re food – my kids are really good eaters – sorry! They do especially love things that are a bit different, like wraps, and cheesy stuff is a winner. Good luck!
Robyn’s last blog post..Loved
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Ketchup! My boy loves the stuff and, though I swore I wouldn’t let my kids eat it on everything (pre-kids, of course), it does help some things go down more easily.
ELizabeth’s last blog post..No more B – - -
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Dontcha make me repeat it!
My best friend’s ring tone is “White and Nerdy.” Yeah. We’re geeks.
Beth’s last blog post..Blinding flash of the obvious
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My youngest is the pickest. I have tried different ways of dealing with it and I have decided that it will not be a battle. I do not make different meals. He may have a bun with peanut butter, but he has to have one bite. I find in our house if I buy the ready fruit and veggie trays with dips they gobble it up. I put it out as an appetizer while I’m making the meal and they can pick away at it. Anything with dip. My kids like greek food alot. I make a lot of souvlaki chicken (buy it from costco frozen in the bag) and add different sides. We sometimes do breakfast foods for supper.
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I have a picky eater too and we also made the mistake of making separate meals for him. Eventually we realized our error and now he eats what we eat….mostly. He still turns his nose up at lots of things but will eat enough variety that I can make what appeals to the rest of us too.
Oh Weird Al…they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore
Kami’s last blog post..Early Halloweening
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Good choice (in deleting the post). Children are awesome, they deserve the best.
orlund’s last blog post..Dutch Double Salted Licorice
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This is one of my ridiculous parenting fears. My husband already screams “icky” at too many vegetables to count, and I’m so afraid our kids will “inherit” his pickiness!
Fit Bottomed Girls’s last blog post..Jane Fonda Collection: The Complete Workout & Stress Reduction Program
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When you make mashed potatoes … do half potatoes and half cauliflower … they’ll never taste the difference
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I think you’ve done the right thing by deleting that post! That little girl of yours didn’t deserve any of those comments.
It sounds like your kids are as picky as I am/was!!! As a kid, I barely ate anything. I liked my pancakes, breads, pastas, fruits, and that was about it. To this day, I HATE most meats and fish and am still kind of picky, however, it does get better! I’ve definately been more willing to try things and sometimes I even like them! I still don’t think I will ever like chicken though
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I don’t have much advice on the food issue, since my youngest is HORRIBLE. I swear it is genetics. My oldest is a great eater, will try anything once. And she often likes some of the things that most kids wouldn’t even touch. My youngest is just like my husband – a horrible eater.
And I am the horrible mom who doesn’t even try any longer. I make a meal for my family, and if there is nothing that I expect her to eat, I just give her a bowl of Cheerios, or a pb&j. I am probably doing it all wrong. I KNOW she will eat if she is starving. But life would NOT be fun with a 3 year old crying hysterically for a couple days until she finally gives in and eats what we serve. I’d rather just keep giving her something I know she will eat that is at least a little healthy. I figure, as she gets older and grows out of the tantrum phase, I will then start putting my foot down and requiring at least one bite to try. Maybe then I will try the “eat this or nothing” ultimatum.
Good luck. Kids are tough!
Irene’s last blog post..Did you see that last post? No? Good. Onto – potty training!
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*smooch*
If I didn’t serve a God that allows for grace, I’d totally raise up a castration posse.
I’m just sayin’…
OMSH’s last blog post..Mixing Xanax with Politics…
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