You sit down and hopefully grab your still warm (hopeful but realistic here) coffee and write down your grocery list. You consider the healthy options and the compromises, the treats you'll pick up.
You go through the aisles, past the scattered cups, trying to remember what was on the list that you forgot at home, just like last time.
Dinner time! You've peeled, and chopped, boiled and mashed, plated and set the table. (Maybe, couch is cool too in our books)
Then enter the chorus of "ewww. I don't like this. Why did you make this? I wanted something else. I wanted something different. I'm not eating this." The tears everywhere and the silent stubborn battles.
It's enough to make a person invest in chicken nugget stocks.
Perhaps, these suggestions might help take back dinner time as an enjoyable experience!
Bring your child/children with you when you grocery shop (if you can).
Make a game out of it, see how many colours they can find, how many letters they can find, how many tiles in the floor can they count?
Give them choices instead of asking "what do you like/want?" Try "would you like the carrots or broccoli?" "Choose one fruit for snacks" This could help provide some directions and the idea that their feelings are heard, and encourage independence.
Allow them to choose their dishes. This could be character ones, different colours, a combination of both. This could provide some excitement and distraction during dinner, and again, choices.
Involve them in the preparation of dinner with age appropriate tasks. They can sort the ingredients, wash vegetables, set the table, stir...
This encourages independence and the opportunity for conversation and understanding.
Make dinner a game or a family event. How many bites before you see the pink plate? What is your favourite colour on the plate? Three bites and I'll give you a high five!
Celebrate their successes. Even if they tried one bite, count that as a win!
Also remember, everyone is struggling. No one's meal times look as great as those Instagram highlights. Allow yourself to let go of the guilt and expectations and embrace whatever and however works for your family. Memories are created in the smallest moments, in the ordinary chaos we call life.
Don't stress, sometimes, just kick your feet up and order the pizza.
Supporting you always,
Mrs. Lauren
ความคิดเห็น