As a parent, I find myself weaving little tales to motivate my children. These aren’t harmful fibs; they’re playful white lies, akin to the ones about mythical figures or how much dessert I sneak in during the day. When it comes to dinner, I often resort to creative storytelling to entice my little ones to sample new dishes.
Meal times can be quite the battlefield in our home, frequently leading to Mel and I giving in to the ever-reliable mac and cheese. Some of my tales are a bit desperate, others are just plain silly, and a few are downright ridiculous. I’ve spun many yarns to encourage my kids to expand their palates. Sometimes they work wonders, while other times, not so much. But with the challenges of feeding young children, a mere 20% success rate feels like a victory. Here are some of the playful tales I’ve shared. You can decide for yourself how effective they were.
- “Did you know that princesses eat broccoli all the time? It’s the secret to their silky hair!”
- “Eating this will help you grow taller, so you can finally reach the monkey bars.”
- “Wanna hear what happened to your older sibling who refused to eat peas? Oh wait, you don’t have one! Exactly.”
- “All Pokémon trainers munch on bean burritos. Trust me, I used to be one!”
- “I eat a pound of Brussels sprouts every day to stay strong.”
- “I had a chat with Queen Elsa earlier, and she told me she adores Hawaiian pizza. It warms her heart!”
- “Mom’s casserole is literally the best food I’ve ever tasted.”
- “This dish will put hair on your chest!”
- “You know, there are laws against refusing your mother’s enchiladas. I just want to keep you out of trouble.”
- “This baked chicken tastes just like boogers, and I know how much you love that flavor!”
- “Finish your broccoli if you want to impress your friends with some epic farts!”
- “No, it’s a candy casserole, chock full of candy! Just give it a try.”
- “Have you ever had oatmeal cake? It looks like oatmeal but is really cake. God bless America!”
- “Fairy godmothers only visit those who eat apples. I don’t make the rules!”
- “Steve from Minecraft told me to tell you that baked ham is his favorite!”
- “It may look like rice, but trust me, it’s really mac and cheese!”
- “Those green beans? They’re actually magic wands! They’ll give you power over your sibling.”
- “Have I ever lied to you?”
I’ve certainly told my share of other tales, and I suspect many of you have too (and I hope so!). What are some of the amusing stories you’ve shared with your kids? Feel free to share them below—no judgment here!
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Summary
Parenting often involves playful deception, especially when trying to get kids to eat new foods. From tales about princesses loving broccoli to magic beans granting powers, these stories can provide a bit of humor and creativity during mealtime struggles. Sharing these experiences can help parents feel less alone in their challenges.