Picky eaters, picky eaters, picky eaters…there should be a reality show where mom’s send their kids to meet and live with the “starving kids in Africa.” I swear, sometimes I think that’s the only thing that would work. But, seeing as how that’s not an option, you know me, I’m always trying to come up with some ideas to make things a little better.
If you want some comment ideas, here’s a few to choose from:
“Mariel, that was amazing…like always.”
“You rock my world, sista.”
“Fab idea! I knew I could count on you!”
“That was totally radical, dude.”
“I could eat, sleep, and breathe you.”
“Do you mind if I name my little girl after you??”
simplify411 says
I’m happy to know I’m not the only one with a kid that won’t touch chicken nuggets, hamburgers, pizza, veggies, ketchup, mustard, pretty much everything.
Mariel says
We should start a support group, Moms Of Picky Eaters, or “MOPE” 🙂
janel says
Great idea–giving picky eaters positive reinforcement to try new things (by making them the “boss”.) My sister’s kids still talk about the time she did a food experiment of making and letting them taste and rate strawberry milk, blueberry milk, and mango milk (blend up fruit and milk). Great ideas.
Mariel says
Janel, I love that…blending fruit with milk. When I think strawberry milk…it’s strawberry syrup. But, that would be fun to try real fruity milk…and, obviously more healthy.
Thanks for the comment!
Megan says
ok, Im a huge fan on the “MOPE” idea. My son is 2 and is just getting pickier.. Im afraid. If it looks different or we havent had it before he will run out of the kitchen crying, it’s an amazing feeling… and veggies are definitely “the enemy.” I did get the cookbook, “deceptively delicious”(by Jerry Seinfeld’s wife). I LOVE it. Ive totally tricked him into eating all sorts of stuff. I still offer a vegetable, and have him at least choke down, I mean try, a bite.. but at least now I know there is some more of the veggie nutrition hidden in the main meal.
Mariel says
Megan,
I’ve heard great things about that cook book! I’ll have to look into it 🙂
REBYRYAN says
Seriously love your ideas for picky eaters! I have five kids too and TWO of them are EXTREMELY picky. I already put your making a cookbook and rating the recipes idea to work and it was worked wonders! I am definitely going to have to try the fruit thing. I especially love the island twist! You rock my world, sista! 😀
Wendy says
My friend uses Deceptively Delicious with her family. Even her hubby. She puts thing on the table, and he will eat something and say that was really amazing then ask, “Do I want to know what was in it?” She smiles at him.
For some eaters it is texture. So if the foods they are picky about see if they have a similar texture. If the texture doesn’t work then they won’t eat it unless forced which ends ugly for all involved.
I love how you did the food critic. Tastes will change with more exposure to foods and time. Time does wonderful things to food. Cake is always a good option.
Mariel says
@rebryan – Sweet! I’m glad it’s worked for you too. Be sure to share any tips/tricks you learn along the way 🙂
@wendy – Cake is so therapeutic for all the stresses of life, isn’t it?!? Love it. Thanks for the comment.
happyhomefairy.com says
Mariel, you crack me up! I love your heart! You are such a wonderful mommy- the way you are always pursuing more creative ways to meet your kids’ needs.
I did a post recently about MY picky eater. Check it out here – http://happyhomefairy.com/2011/02/17/the-happy-buddy-wont-eat/. I got such great encouragement and advice! But I love your idea of giving your Happy Buddies a little ownership over the food they eat. Very clever!!!
Thank you for always providing us with so many wonderful ideas!
Mariel says
@happyhomefairy – cute post! you’re little guy is a doll 🙂 you’re right…”this too shall pass.” we hope, right?!? i guess eventually it can become their spouse’s problem.