Food Fights

Finding something that everyone in the family will eat is a tough task. It is especially tough if you are the least bit concerned about nutrition in the process. With three kids, I know that I have scored a homerun when I find a meal that everyone will eat. My son, who is 8, is a real meat and potatoes kind of guy. He has a very big appetite now, and I cannot imagine what it will be when he is a teenager. He is generally a good eater, but has a few quirks when it comes to textures. For example, he almost cannot tolerate being around someone who is chewing gum. His sister knows this and takes full advantage of it! He also has issues with anything gummy (gummy worms, fruit snacks, fruit roll ups, jell-o, etc.). He also does not like whipped cream, sour cream, congealed salads, or marshmallows. I suspect that he has some sensory issues due to the fact that he was born at 26 weeks gestation. I have talked to some occupational therapist friends of mine who have said that this may be the case. It really does not interfere with his daily life or well being, and my pediatrician was not overly concerned, so I have decided just to teach him to deal with these things (and to be polite when offered something he does not like).

My daughters, 5 and 2, are both snackers with major sweet tooths (or should it be teeth?). My 5 year old is better about eating at meals. I try to limit her snacks to one in the afternoon. We also started keeping the candy on top of the refrigerator so she has to ask before she can have something. My 2 year old...is 2. Anybody who has a two year old knows what I mean! We went to the beach last week, and I don't think she ate any "real" food the entire week. She snacked and ate a bite here or there, but nothing substantial. I know that kids go through these stages, so I am not stressing.

Some of the foods that all of my children will eat include:

poppy seed chicken casserole (I usually leave off the poppy seeds for them, but they will eat them)

green beans

macaroni and cheese

chicken

french fries

spaghetti

yogurt

meat loaf

butterbeans (They love them!)

strawberries

apples

I am sure that there are more, but these are the ones that come to mind. I used to really worry when my kids did not eat or only took a few bites, but all children go through phases of eating a little or eating a lot. I have decided not to worry about it. They will eat when they are hungry. I also only fix one meal (unless it is something that none of them will eat, and this is rare) for everyone.

Food issues can certainly be frustrating, but talking to your pediatrician and other moms can be helpful.