Monday, July 13, 2009

Cooking Quandries

If food allergies weren't enough, I've got:

  • 1 that likes chicken casserole, 2 that don't
  • 2 that like carrots, 1 that doesn't
  • 1 that likes green peas, 2 that don't
  • 2 that like green beans, 1 that doesn't
  • 1 that likes broccoli all of the time, 1 some of the time, 1 none of the time
  • 2 that like beef roast, 1 that doesn't
  • 1 that likes fish, 2 that don't
  • 2 that like fried rice, 1 that doesn't
  • 1 that likes tacos, 1 that prefers burritos, 1 that doesn't
  • 2 that like raisins, 1 that will only eat yogurt raisins
  • 1 that likes sweet potatoes, 1 that sometimes likes them, 1 that won't touch them
  • 2 that like "cheese", 1 that doesn't
  • 2 that like "yogurt", 1 that doesn't
The list goes on..

I feel like a short order cook sometimes. What's a mom to do?

post signature

10 comments:

laurel said...

I don't have the food allergy issue but my boys are somewhat picky. It can be very frustrating. The rule that I have been using around here that is working ( for now) is that they are not required to eat what I make, but they must try it. I understand that they won't like everything I make, and that's OK, but this is not a restaurant. If they choose not to eat what I have prepared, they may have only fruit/veggies until the next meal. They may have as much as they like, and they may get it whenever they are hungry. This works pretty well for our family right now. The boys like the freedom it gives them to eat when they want, without asking permission...and I like that they are getting fruits and veggies in. And, it keeps my frustration at bay after cooking for them, only to have it rejected. :)

Kayris said...

I try to make something that both kids will eat with every meal, usually some kind of veggie. For the rest of the meal, they don;t have to eat it if they don't like it, but I'm also not making anything special either.

Melissa said...

it does get better, promise...it takes a while to develop a palate. i always continue serving even the things they don't care for - very similarly to laurel, i offer them what's prepared or available and they are required to take a bite (no cleaning the plate, i think that's counterproductive). it is always a pleasant surprise to them and a victory for me the day they decide they like something they previously refused to eat!!

Jeff said...

Don't forget... 3 that like hot dogs... 2 parents that don't like that this has become a staple!!!
ILU

bekahcubed said...

I saw "two that like beef roast" and thought "and this little pig cried wee-wee-wee-wee-wee all the way home". Sorry to laugh at your situation, but there you have it!

Becky @ BoysRuleMyLife said...

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions ladies!

Bekahcubed... hahahaha! :) good one.

Jeff ~ I was going to leave that out. No need to tell *ALL* of our dirty family secrets! :)

Angie @ Many Little Blessings said...

We have a lot of pickiness at our house. We're trying to start feeding them things anyway, along with maybe a side of half a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

But, I know what you mean -- when we make something that everyone will eat, it feels like such a treat.

Jessica said...

Ugh. Not looking forward to this at all. It's hard enough to get one to eat!

Unknown said...

amen sista, amen!

Sally said...

I just read a comment on someone's blog recently that they only require their kids to taste everything at the meal once, and if they don't care for it the backup is pb&j- that way mom isn't making a backup meal, but the kids aren't forced to eat things that truly just aren't in their preferences yet. We have to find the balance between requiring them to try healthy new things but also to respect them as people. It's a tough balance, and my kids are only 4 and under (but becoming increasingly picky). It also helps me to remember that as long as they are getting a variety of good foods over 3-4 days, they are doing okay. Every meal doesn't have to be this perfectly balanced nutritional masterpiece! Ha, as if any of them are! ;)