But My Son Only Eat Nine Foods

            I was talking to a mom the other day and she mentioned that her 10-year-old son only eats nine foods.  I stared at her in disbelief.  My mother would never have let me get away with that.  I had to eat whatever she prepared or go to bed hungry.  Believe me I never went to bed hungry and even if I had, once or twice, I did not grow up malnourished.  I couldn’t help wondering who the mom was and who the child was in this family.  I wanted to ask her why she caters to his wishes, desires, whims, and tantrums.    

            I never had children and no mother should ever take my advice on how to raise children, but in this instance I can’t help but wonder if this mom just gives in to her son because it’s easier.  I read an article about a family---mom, dad and three picky children---who were in China.  Due to circumstances beyond their control, this family had to be quarantined for a week.  The children had no choice, they ate the Chinese food offered or they were hungry.  There wasn’t a pantry of snacks, the mother had no access to the kitchen, and they weren’t allowed to leave to find fast food elsewhere.  To this mom’s amazement, the kids ate and enjoyed everything they took.  Without a choice, a hungry human will eat whatever is in front of him. 

            I’m not suggesting that your kids are not allowed to have their preferences, but only eating nine foods is extreme.  Make dinner with a wide variety of real, colorful foods.  Make them with salt, fat and herbs to enhance their flavor.  Serve them in an atmosphere of love and eat heartily to set a good example. Insist that your children taste and eat what is in front of them.  Without a choice, they will eventually catch on. 

  

Cooking is easier than you think and you and your family are worth the time and effort it takes. 

Simple cooking idea: If your shrimp are frozen, put them in a clean sink and run cool water on them until they are soft enough to peel.

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