“I’m not your servant!” my 6-year-old exclaimed, hands on her hips and eyebrows raised. I had just asked her to move her stack of Eloise books from the kitchen table to her room. After a little negotiation, I calmed down, reminding myself that this phrase was one I often used. Naturally, my kids have picked it up and now throw it back at me. It sounds much more authoritative when I say it, doesn’t it?
Despite the absence of actual servants in our home, my children seem to think they deserve to be catered to. I can’t pinpoint where they got this notion. Maybe it’s from my mother, who has become a charming yet overly attentive hostess: “Do you need anything, darling? Have you eaten enough?” Or perhaps it’s a remnant from their baby days when they relied on me for everything. Could it even be inspired by those pesky house elves from Harry Potter?
Regardless of the source, I’ve cleverly turned their high expectations into my own advantage—especially when it comes to snacks.
For seven years, I’ve grappled with picky eating, ever since my son transitioned from a toddler who loved food to a little guy who would rather go to bed hungry than eat a ham sandwich. I began my journey with a thoughtful parenting book that delved into the complexities of picky eating (Just Take a Bite by Lori Ernsperger and Tania Stegen-Hanson) and ensured my kids were taking a good multivitamin. While both of my kids may be slim, they continue to grow steadily on the growth charts.
Since I refuse to force-feed anyone, our meals have ended up healthy yet somewhat limited. They might see an array of nutritious foods on their plates, but they are under no obligation to eat them. This has led me to become somewhat sneaky, particularly with fruits, veggies, and protein.
1. Gourmet Hors D’Oeuvres
Instead of letting the kids help themselves to Goldfish or granola bars, I present a colorful platter of sliced fruits, cheeses, whole-grain crackers, and cut-up veggies, all ready for munching. This works wonders when they’re distracted, like during screen time.
2. Little Sous-Chef
When packing a lunch, I peel and chop fruits beforehand. This week, they’re enjoying cherries, which I’ve pitted and stemmed. They disappear faster than any snack from a package.
3. Be Proactive
I’ve noticed that my kids are hungriest right after waking up and after school. I make it a point to leave healthy snacks out during these times while I prepare the main meal. But I keep it casual, of course.
4. Always Prepared
I always have nutritious snacks on hand for road trips to avoid the temptation of gas station junk food. If they’re starving, they might just opt for an applesauce cup or a bag of almonds instead.
5. Extra Effort
If my kids request a particular treat, I make sure to provide a healthy option alongside it.
The other day, my mom remarked, “Wow, Jamie, what happened to you?” as I artfully arranged our snack platter during their iPad time. “What did you have for snacks when I was a kid?” I asked. “We didn’t have snacks in the ’70s,” she replied. Exactly. Back then, snacks meant a warm can of Tab and a squished Twinkie.
Modern parents have learned from those days of calorie counting. We understand that kids are more likely to eat what’s tasty and readily available. Instead of focusing on what they can’t have, we offer them healthy alternatives.
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Summary:
Transforming snack time into a creative and nutritious experience can help parents navigate the challenges of picky eaters. By presenting healthy options in an appealing way and anticipating their needs, parents can encourage their children to choose better snacks without the struggle.