Picky Preschoolers

I love to cook and experiment with food, especially with food from around the world. My mother always had me assisting in the kitchen as a young girl and I enjoyed every part of it...except for the cleanup. I did not dislike many foods and I would always try new things unless they were weird like "bloody clams" or fish that looked at me. YUCK!

Fast forward to adulthood >> I still enjoy trying new foods and recreating them in my kitchen. I had this expectation that my kids would enjoy the foods I do, but little did I know...they had an opinion. 99% of the time my preschooler's opinion is different than mine.

She is what I would call...Picky.

Sometimes I feel like I am failing her as a parent by feeding her what she likes and that she will be doomed to have a palette for mystery meat and ketchup. I have tried sneaking healthy things into her meals or tricking her into thinking thin spaghetti was ramen noodles, but these were failed attempts. The "You try, I try" game worked a couple of times, but it usually ended with the refusal of closing her mouth, saliva pooling on my dining table, and in extreme cases...gagging.

Is my child getting enough nutrients? Am I starving her?

These questions still go through my mind even after taking her to a dietician. When she first started refusing foods, I was extremely concerned. No more formula meant no more controlled nutrition! It was up to me to feed my child foods packed with nutrients and to be conscious of food groups and portions. This all seemed so easy until the spoon pushing began and I no longer had control of what was going into her mouth.

I finally came to a realization when she turned 3 and her habits were not changing - I have not changed her perception of food and I won't until she understands and appreciates the importance of nutrition. Some would call me a pushover for letting my preschooler eat what she enjoys, but why fight about food? Once I stepped outside of my unrealistic expectation, I am less stressed during meal time.

I now have 3 safe meals in my home at all times and she has the choice of what she will eat for supper.

So let's be honest with ourselves, we cannot choose what our children like to eat. We can offer suggestions or ask them to try something new, but never force it. I promise you, it's not worth the fight!

Be kind to yourselves, moms.