I’ve never been more aware of my tendencies than I am today as the mom of an almost 4-year-old. Drew, my blond-haired, blue-eyed son, is the splitting image of my husband; plus, they share a lot of the same personality traits – strong-willed, persistent and even tidy. But there is one trait they share that is problematic for me: they are picky eaters.
Most kids are a little picky, but shouldn’t the child of a foodie be willing to try anything? It’s not so much that Drew is a picky eater as much as he really doesn’t care about food like his dad. They could eat the same thing, like unseasoned chicken or a plain bagel, and be fine.
When it comes to feeding them, my excitement for making things gourmet, flavorful and unique are for naught, so I have to be creative. For example, one of Drew’s favorite foods is rice, and this past weekend, we had oven-roasted chicken over wild mushroom risotto with balsamic-glazed asparagus. Drew ate a good portion of chicken and more than his fair share of risotto with mushrooms – a win!
Like all parents, I want my child to eat and eat well. Food nourishes the body and the mind. Mealtime is more than feeding the physical needs; it’s about creating moments as a family. This weekend was a victory in my books – my picky eaters enjoyed a gourmet meal around the table.
