Trying to feed fussy children healthy, nourishing food is not always easy. And working out how much they should be eating and when to stop is a challenge for parents, no matter what age their children are. And then there are the days they are just not interested. Here is our story…
This story is part of our Big Feelings series
Feed Fussy Children '– Performed by Fussy Children and their Parents
Mummy (8 years parenting)
Scene 1:Mum and Dad cooking a meal in the kitchen.
“Mum! What’s for tea?” And with that the daily performance begins.
That’s if you even have an answer! And haven’t just completely forgotten or are completely in denial that you will have to make tea again today.
But most days I try to make an effort… and not resort to sandwiches – because really, what is wrong with a good sandwich? Oh yes, Tomos doesn’t like them.
“Cottage pie.” I call back, bracing myself for the complaints because neither of them like this particular dinner.
Scene 2: Family sit up to the table to eat a meal together
“Oh Mum!” Luc and Tomos groan as they sit up to the table.
“I made it a bit differently today so it might be better.”
They look up dubiously.
“It looks the same to me.” Luc says suspiciously, poking some of the potato with his fork.
I’m not going to tell them how I made it differently though – that’s if you count putting cheese into the mashed potato as a significant change.
And there is no way I am going to mention to Tomos that there is now cheese in his worst dinner. He is not a fan of cheese.
Scene 3: Parents try to encourage child to eat
“Let’s try a little bit.” I say, starting to eat from my own plate. I’ve learned that Luc will start in his own time and its generally easier to manage the wait if your own tummy is full.
Hopefully he will start soon though. If we can get a bit of momentum going, he may even eat two or three mouthfuls before getting distracted, bored or full.
But even as the first tiny spoonful is grudgingly absorbed, I can see the chewing getting slower and slower and slower. The eyes glaze over and he’s gone.
Totally off in another world, another story, another game.
Final Scene: Child pretends to eat
The fingers are starting now – some kind of epic battle saga that unfortunately has nothing to do with putting any more food in his belly.
We prompt again. And again. And you know you should probably stop but really, there is only so many times you can watch the same show over and over again. Every single day.
Suddenly Luc pops in a spoonful of peas and carrots and my hopes are raised that we might be close to the end.
“It’s poison,” He announces cheekily. “I’m dead” He opens his mouth to show us now chomped up orange and green mush and lets out a long dying groan.
He closes his eyes – totally euphoric about his performance – waiting for his review.
And I laugh because I can’t help it. And because I know it’s my privilege (and curse) to watch this show every day.
More Help on How to Feed Fussy Children
For a whole range of information, tips and hacks to help fussy children eat, go to this excellent blog.
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