Thursday, September 28, 2006

Pass the Peas, Please

"You cannot have any more green peas until you eat some of your beefaroni."
I actually said the above statement to my almost 14 month old son today at lunch. I was having to withhold vegetables so the child would make an attempt at trying his pasta. How insane does that sound? For some reason, Isaac does not like tomato-based things--no ketchup, no pasta sauces, no actual tomatoes. What child does not love beefaroni? The child will eat salmon (in moderate amounts---no mercury warnings, please) but not spaghetti??? In order to prevent him from being a picky eater (I know one of the world's pickiest eaters and I fear this lifestyle for my child), we serve things that were not a big hit with Isaac several times in hopes that he will eventually start eating it. The pediatrician said it takes about 14 tries for a child to warm-up to a new food. Throw in Isaac's tendency to be cautious and it takes him forever to like a new food (unless it is a green veggie or any type of fruit). So go ahead and nominate me for Bad Parent of the Year because I did forbid my child to eat a vegetable today.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Scott and I have caught ourselves many times telling Matthew to stop eating apples or spinach so that he can eat his fried chicken tenders. Or as they say at preschool during parties when they order McDonald's before eating cookies "eat your healthy food before your dessert."

Unknown said...

I feel your pain! Jackson is such a wierdo these days when it comes to food. He will eat whatever we give him for lunch with much enthusiasm, but dinner is another story altogether. He has even been known to eat leftovers that he refused from the night before for lunch the next day. We reward him for eating with applesauce, bananas and any other fruit. Kids are so funny! I think Jackson and Isaac learned to only love fruit from the Baylor nursery.

The Binkley Family said...

Well, I think we all know the world's pickiest eater is my husband. Zach is not quite as bad, but has developed a unique ability to gag and throw up upon tasting something he doesn't want to try. Then, he can say "I can't eat that, it makes me throw up." Smart, yes. Annoying, YES!!!!

Margaret K said...

Patrick never liked the baby food meals (I am assuming that is what you are talking about). I wonder if they have a funny taste or texture? They say kids will eat a balanced diet on their own. Good luck!

Unknown said...

That is too hilarious- you're going to have a little health nut as your son if he loves those veggies and fruit so much!

I'm so jealous your mom has gotten to chill with Clara...that girl is such a sweetie and calls herself "Carla"- it's too cute.

Phillips Family said...

My mom was telling me about the "Carla" thing which just cracks me up.