tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443851173760362664.post5294969905566712569..comments2023-08-06T04:20:01.328-05:00Comments on Mapmaker of the Human Condition: Feeding a Four-Year-Old: the Most Impossible of TasksMollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13664463084912173821noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443851173760362664.post-42799528678803910052013-12-08T22:37:01.511-05:002013-12-08T22:37:01.511-05:00Honestly, I'd just let him eat like that for a...Honestly, I'd just let him eat like that for a year or two. Mine (4 and 6) have long stretches like that these days (have in fact restricted from eating more diversely when they were younger), and it hasn't killed them; I gather it's developmentally normal. It's boring for me preparing the food, and we do fairly often cook a different grown-up and kid meal, which is a bit of a pain, but if they don't mind the repetition and they're getting nutrition, so be it. <br /><br />I think this is a pick your battles moment, and what is really at stake here? If it's not the child's health, then is it just your boredom? Your sense of what he *should* be eating?<br /><br />Kavya, left to herself, will eat mac-and-cheese + frozen peas for every single dinner without complaint -- with real pleasure, in fact. I vary it up a little because I get bored making it. She likes slices of red bell pepper, slices of cucumber, and al dente steamed broccoli as vegetable options. That's it.<br /><br />Her list is actually very similar to Atticus's (although she does eat bread), so if I can suggest, you might try quesadillas. She also loves those, and they are easy to make in the toaster oven and are a total staple in this house. <br /><br />Yes, children, dad and I will throw some cheese and tortillas in the toaster oven for you for three minutes, and then we will enjoy our lovely grown-up dinner alongside your melted cheese thing. With some random fruits and vegetables (out of the limited set you allow us). <br /><br />Oh, and if he eats pancakes, maybe you could try those pre-made pancakes that you heat up in the toaster oven too? Slap some peanut butter on there, and you have yourself a sandwich. Or serve it in a spoon alongside. Mine have spoon of peanut butter + banana OFTEN when they are demanding food and I can't think of anything else.<br /><br />Kavi will actually cry and/or spit out the food (at age 6) if I *make* her try something. I've given up, and our lives are much easier now.Mary Anne Mohanrajhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07743780590702938490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443851173760362664.post-38380167213835661062013-11-16T09:04:19.455-05:002013-11-16T09:04:19.455-05:00Nicole, the idea of control is really helpful, act...Nicole, the idea of control is really helpful, actually. I hoped that given Atticus options was enough to give him control, but he clearly needs more. When Atticus was Max's age, he ate way more than he does now. My sister-in-law says it goes back to caveman times when a child would only eat what was familiar so they wouldn't accidentally poison themselves. Interesting idea anyway. On the rare occasion that Atticus has taken a bite of something new, I have to fight the whole falling-out-of-chair thing, too. People who have kids with great eaters are so lucky.Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13664463084912173821noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4443851173760362664.post-83022356095948855972013-11-15T19:29:55.114-05:002013-11-15T19:29:55.114-05:00Yes. Max does this. He eats more than that but not...Yes. Max does this. He eats more than that but not much more. I read once that food is the only control kids have over their lives so they hold onto it hard. My thinking with Max is that he probably won't die. He had a bite of enchilada the other day. I fell out of my chair, making such a big deal that I'm sure he'll never do THAT again.Nikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15795554401570611521noreply@blogger.com