I know I’m fortunate to be able to provide meals for my kids every night. But let’s be honest—sometimes it feels less like a blessing and more like a marathon of coaxing tiny humans to eat their food. Here are eight thoughts that race through my mind while I’m trying to get my kids to finish their dinner:
-
Just swallow already!
Seriously, how long can a single bite sit in a kid’s mouth? Watching you chew that piece of chicken feels like an eternity. If you don’t swallow it soon, I might just scream or cry—maybe both! -
How can you dislike something that was your favorite last week?
Didn’t you just rave about this dish a few days ago? I made enough for the week because you claimed it was the “best ever.” Now it’s suddenly the worst? If I love something, I could eat it every day without a complaint! -
You think that smells bad?
What? How can you wrinkle your nose at fried chicken? It smells incredible! And pizza? That’s just bread, sauce, and cheese! My taste buds are practically singing over here. -
How are you full after just three bites?
You were practically starving 15 minutes ago, and now a few bites and you’re done? I need to learn your secret. When I’m hungry, I could eat enough to fill a buffet! -
What’s with the food touching issue?
So let me get this straight: a speck of mashed potato on your chicken means you can’t eat it anymore? If a little ketchup creeps onto your peas, the whole plate’s ruined? Seriously, where are my keys? -
I’m actually doing this.
Here I am, picking tiny bits of parsley off your plate because it’s green and you won’t touch it. And you’re asking for a whole new meal just because a scallion was involved? I’m like a chef on a mission just to get you to eat! -
Please don’t tell me to let them off the hook when they haven’t eaten.
I appreciate your advice, Aunt Mia, but when my kid skips breakfast and turns into a monster, you won’t be there to help! And when they decide they’re hungry at 11 p.m. after refusing dinner, I doubt you’ll be awake to deal with it! -
How can you not want dessert?
I’m not mad you don’t want that chocolate mousse cake, but honestly, how is that even possible? You have a guilt-free option sitting right in front of you, and you’re passing it up? You’re my hero, and I’m not sure how you inherited that willpower from me!
But hey, I know parenting isn’t easy. So I’ll keep on serving nutritious meals and encouraging them to eat until they’re grown and no longer need me to feed them. One day, when they come home from college complaining about the dreaded freshman 15, I’ll remind them of all those times I had to beg them to eat. Then we can enjoy a pint of Ben & Jerry’s together and bond over our love for food!
For more insights on parenting and fertility, you can check out our post here, and if you’re looking for information on supplements to boost fertility, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, for excellent resources regarding pregnancy, feel free to explore Womens Health.
Summary:
Dinnertime with kids can be a rollercoaster of emotions and frustrations, from the endless chewing to the sudden dislike of previously adored meals. As parents, we find ourselves negotiating, pleading, and even picking through plates to ensure our little ones eat. Despite the challenges, we persevere, holding on to the hope that one day, our kids will appreciate the meals we worked hard to prepare.