Thu-16-Oct-2008 - Eating what is served ....
Just lately, Jonathan and I had a pow-wow about Samuel's eating habits. We decided that we had better nip it in the bud early, rather than late.
I really didn't think we had much of a problem, but mainly that Samuel was putting off eating until just before he went to bed. We were bothered that he was no longer eating with the family . . . which is just so weird.
So, if he didn't eat with us, we didn't make a big deal out of it. Over the course of the evening, he would ask for other things . . . .
Apples.
Plums.
Cheese sticks.
Candy.
And we consistantly pointed him back to the dinner on the table.
The next day he didn't want his breakfast. Until 1:30pm.
[Below, being tickled by Mommy's big foot.]
What has been facinating for me to watch is his additude in other areas. When we have held firm on this one, seemingly little thing, he has become much more respectful in *all* other areas. Esspecially for me, during the day.
Every meal for 2 days was a "battle" to the extent that he didn't eat until he was really, really hungry.
Until today, when he woke up, ate breakfast. And then he ate the lunch he "said" he didn't want. And then he ate more lunch, and asked for thirds. (I knew he liked the meal, so it didn't suprise me.)
Consistancy is so important for children. Here I didn't even think it was a big deal, but watching him respond to me now, he felt like he was getting away with something!
Now, least anyone get the wrong idea:
We never made him actually "finish" a meal. We're not worried about quantity, but willingness. Additude. We're not trying to make him eat an unreasonable amount of food, just enough that we can feel he actually tried. Not even picking up a fork is not effort, and not even tasting something is a pretty poor additude!
Secondly, he was never "made" to go hungry. He had food, and he knows his options. He could drown it in ketchup or ranch or take Mommy up on an offer to heat it up. Samuel David made the choice to let it sit there. Until he was hungry enough that it looked good.
I'm so happy to have discovered this before it became a bigger, uglier issue. I'm so happy with the subtile little changes in his temperment - when I say "no" you can see the wheels turning in his mind that it really means . . . No.
*sigh* It's so good to be home!
~Ashley~
Comments
Thu-16-Oct-2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Sara
I'm so glad you figured this out and that things are working out better, all of my children have at one time tried to get picky with me at mealtime, not wanting to eat when it was mealtimes, or not wanting to eat what was given, such as beans, etc.
We learned to quickly nip those habits in the bud because we knew it would only escalate. Now as they've gotten older, they eat whatever I put in front of them with a seldom few exceptions, even adults have foods they just can't stand, for me it's cottage cheese, and that when they say they're done, they're plate is put away.
I have a niece who started getting picky habits as a toddler, and now at 9 years old, will literally not eat anything except for pb & j sandwiches and sweets. She is very unhealthy and overweight for such a young age, and her mother doesn't try to do anything about it. Well, I didn't mean to go on so long.
Have a blessed day!
sara
Thu-16-Oct-2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by puttycat
Sounds like your doing a great job!!
We do much the same with our children. :)
Thu-16-Oct-2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by gabbie427
Unfortunately I have let this one slip in our home, and we need to crack down again with Noah and his eating with the family as well. It is hard isn't it??
Glad he is doing better about eating what is served to him!!!
God's Blessings,
Amy Jo
Thu-16-Oct-2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
Well, not to burst your bubble, but it's not over yet! Your kiddos have a lot of growing to do, and trust me, these are the easy battles. If only we had the experience when our kids were young that we gain as they grow up!
Fri-17-Oct-2008 - Great Job!
Posted by Anonymous
I have two wonderful daughters and I have always niped things early. I never wanted to wait to late and let things get out of hand. I agree after they learn the word No and they know (you mean it ) life works so much better.
Great Job! You will see that your sons will respect their mom as long as you stay incontrol:)
Blessings,
Renee
Sat-18-Oct-2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by tami/agodlyhomemaker
way to go!
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