Kitchen

[151949]

On 2/18/2014 Allegheny said:

On 2/18/2014 happy housewife said:

On 2/18/2014 Allegheny said:

i've been curious about something, perhaps someone could enlighten me. In my husband's family there are six great nieces/nephews who we see frequently. These children range in age from 4 to 11. I am appalled at what they eat. At family dinners something different always has to be prepared for the kids, i.e.., mac & cheese, hot dogs, pizza, noodles, french fries. The sweets run rampant.

The parents and grandparents are all healthy, balanced eaters, yet they cater to the children just to get them to eat. At what age should parents get a handle on this? I never had children so I don't know how I would react.

Growing up my mother never made us special meals. If there was something we didn't like, we avoided it and ate the other items served.

According to my niece the pediatricans now a days tell the parents to make the children whatever they want to eat - and not to make an issue out of eating vs not eating because as they get into their periods of growth spurts they will be hungry and they will eat. her oldest was horrible about not eating - he would not even eat the special foods she made for him that he liked - til he was 8 then , all of a sudden , he started eating everything she gave him. IMO - they just do this as a attempt to manipulate you anyway.

Thanks happy housewife, I never had the nerve to ask the parents. I didn't want to appear critical.

BTW, bet you're glad you're not in Pittsburgh today! Everyone up here is pretty much out of salt and streets and highways are a disaster. Temps are warming up though and conditions are improving.

I know - we heard there is over a foot of snow on the roof of the camper. I heard on the weather channel there may be flooding due to rapid snow melt when it warms up in a few days , so keep your feet up!

[wingnut]

"Back in the day" there were no arguments or pleading, we ate what was put in front of us or waited until the next meal.

[piperbay]

On 2/18/2014 wingnut09 said:

"Back in the day" there were no arguments or pleading, we ate what was put in front of us or waited until the next meal.

Yes, that was us too. It was either take it or leave it and my mom would constantly make broiled (and dried out) lamb patties.

[liliblu]

Have you thought of pasta with the meat sauce on the side. Your daughter could have her's plain with just sauce. Meat sauce for your husband. Less time in the kitchen for you. It's what my parents did for their picky beef hating daughter (me). Add veggies or a salad and your done.

[liliblu]

On 2/18/2014 wingnut09 said:

"Back in the day" there were no arguments or pleading, we ate what was put in front of us or waited until the next meal.

I have texture issues with food. So any family member (not my parents) who pulled the eat what's here or nothing didn't coerce me to eat. I just did not eat. I could go days without eating if I had to. There are ways to deal with picky eaters that do not require such hard lines.

[Allegheny]

On 2/18/2014 liliblu said:

On 2/18/2014 wingnut09 said:

"Back in the day" there were no arguments or pleading, we ate what was put in front of us or waited until the next meal.

I have texture issues with food. So any family member (not my parents) who pulled the eat what's here or nothing didn't coerce me to eat. I just did not eat. I could go days without eating if I had to. There are ways to deal with picky eaters that do not require such hard lines.

I have to admit that I had some issues myself., creamed vegetables. Mom would hold out some peas for me. Liver tried it, but hated the taste and texture. Anything having a slimy look or texture, like sunny side up eggs where the whites weren't all cooked. She used to mash up bread into the eggs to get us to eat them. I still eat them that way.

Only once that I can recall that she insisted my sister and I sit at the table and eat chuck roast. It sat on the plate and had grease congealing on it. Finally after watching us gag she relented. It's been 50 years later and only recently have I started to eat chuck roast again.

But overall, I am glad she didn't cater to us because I would have missed out on some fabulous food.

[ChynnaBlue]

On 2/18/2014 liliblu said:

On 2/18/2014 wingnut09 said:

"Back in the day" there were no arguments or pleading, we ate what was put in front of us or waited until the next meal.

I have texture issues with food. So any family member (not my parents) who pulled the eat what's here or nothing didn't coerce me to eat. I just did not eat. I could go days without eating if I had to. There are ways to deal with picky eaters that do not require such hard lines.

Didn't they serve any side dishes? I can't imagine a plate with a main course and several sides that had nothing on it that you would eat.

[florey]

Casseroles are a good choice for families who eat at different times. Meat lasagne, vegetable lasagne, Mexican style casseroles, and a ton of chicken casseroles that you make with different cans of soup. Go to the Campbell's soup site for a variety. I always substitute the heathy choice or low salt soups for the regular soup. We had a chicken divan casserole this evening and everyone loved it - plus I got them to eat broccoli! Add a salad or, I used the Bob Evans garlic mashed potatoes tonight. Yes, it's processed but I think everything in moderation is ok.

[grannykimmy]

Sometimes we can be our own enemies when it comes to our kids and it's hard to break habits we allow to happen. You said there was 3 of y'all? How about each family member get meals they like 2 nights a week and the others have to eat it? The 7th night is a free for all in which everyone gets their favorite food but they have to help prepare it and clean up. Get your daughter involved with cooking meals, she may be more willing to try different things if she helps cook Good luck.

[house cat]

When my kids were young I went through a period of following the school lunch menu. I made my meals healthier and tastier than theirs, but they had some good kid-friendly items on the monthly menu.