Monday, May 27, 2013

Darn The French

I recently read a sample of a book called, French Children Eat Everything. I was so inspired by their eating habits, I decided to put some of them into play that very night. I made a really delicious Ratatouille with zucchini and cauliflower, mushrooms, peppers, onions and loads of tomatoes and garlic.

In the french opinion, if your children don't like something, it is because they haven't tried it enough, americans don't let their children try healthy food enough before they give up serving it. We sat down to eat, well some of us did. Hazel was bouncing up and down in panic mode, 'I'm not gonna eat that!' Flapping her hands and grabbing her mouth. Because that behavior is her usual custom for anything without sugar in it, I was undeterred. I turned to the babies, Wilson was lapping it up. Quinn was tentative, James was smearing it all over his tray, he wouldn't even try it. Claire was tolerant.

Kindly, I held James' hands so he couldn't refuse and started feeding him. His reply was gagging and intermittent sharp cries. Quinn started to cry, fearing for James. I plied James with a few more bites.

By the end of the meal, it had escalated to this, Quinn threw up because she was upset for James, James and Hazel were crying because they didn't want to eat it, Claire wet her pants out of some sympathetic reaction to our family crisis and Wilson asked for another bowl.

For right now, just eating around the table without anyone crawling on it or throwing their food is a major victory for us. I chose to be happy with that.

9 comments:

  1. I've also seen an article circulating that French kids don't have ADHD.... What's up with the French promoting themselves lately??? Although I think their theory is correct that there really is only about .5% of the population that really has ADHD and the rest that get diagnosed here are probably due to other factors. Healthy dinner was a valiant effort and I enjoyed reading about it!

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  2. hahaha I personally have refused to read any parenting books of any kind b/c I'm completely convinced that no one method works for every child no matter what. The scriptures, loads of prayers, and doing my best to follow the spirit are the only effective guides to teach, nurture, and guide the precious children that have been entrusted to me. So "poo poo" I say to parenting books and to much parental advice specifically regarding my children - does that make me some kind of snob? hahahaha Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back today and everyday for your valiant efforts!

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  3. My mother got that book recently. She thinks it's great. But she doesn't have any small children in the house either.

    Also, I have one brother who has always just eaten everything and like it. He's the weird one at the table.

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  4. I know right? I am constantly flip flopping on the whole issue: survival or winning most nutritious mother award? And this week survival wins cuz I am potty training. But if it helps, I want you to know that I have always thought you and your family were avid healthy eaters- so at least you come off that way!:)

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  5. I was smiling as reading, but actually chortled when your boy asked for another bowl amidst the drama. Hilarious.

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