Dear Gino,
I’m just a mother, trying to do my best, please don’t refer to me as a ‘moron’ or an ‘idiot’, as I am neither.
My kids are not fussy eaters all the time, but there are times that they very much are, and they were particularly bad during the toddler years and I know that I am not alone.
Both my children were exposed to a huge variety of flavours, textures and tastes during weaning, but like so many others, they hit the toddler years and it all went a bit ‘Pete Tong’.
You see Gino, parents can really try to ensure that their children have the best, are the best and experience the best, but when faced with a strong-willed toddler, sometimes you have to adjust your expectations and go with the flow a bit more, or you risk losing your sanity.
I may not be a chef like you, but I can cook. Instead of relying on ready meals (yours included) I have cooked for my kids from scratch, most of the time. Imagine my disappointment though, when they have point blank refused to it eat what I have spent hours slaving away at. It is soul destroying, let me tell you! And this is true for so many parents.
Toddlers are renowned for being fussy, Gino – not just with their eating. They have a strong desire to be in control while trying to make sense of their emotions and learn to be independent. I have never punished my children for not eating something, as you have yours. I don’t believe that punishing a child is the correct way to go and I have never sent my kids to bed hungry – like I said: I am neither a ‘moron’ or an ‘idiot’.
Most older children who are fussy with their eating, are so because of the way meal times were handled when they were younger.
My (non-moronic) approach has always been to try and not get frustrated with my kids when they are being fussy - something you could perhaps take on board? Children’s appetites change depending on how they are growing and this means some days they might eat well, but others not so much. Looking at their diet over a week is the best approach, I think.
I like to get my kids involved in the kitchen too, which Gino, as a chef, I think you will agree is not something that a ‘moron’ or an ‘idiot’ would do? I find that when the kids have helped with the prep and cooking they are more inclined to eat their meal, and I don’t give my kids too much choice, but allow them some, which I also find helps.
There are many other parents out there who will be seething with your comments. Some have children with sensory issues, which mean that they struggle with certain textures, tastes and smells. Many do not like their foods touching each other or can’t cope with eating a sandwich the conventional way. Their parents are far from ‘morons’ or ‘idiots’. They too are trying their best.
How you parent your kids is entirely up to you, but please do not demonise the rest of us for how we parent ours.
Yours sincerely,
A disgruntled mother
