Dinner Paradox
Photo above: David Stingle
It's a shame my kids love throwing food on the floor, and at the Veggie Police (me), because I love to cook, and (imagine this!) I want them to actually eat what I make. I adore those crazy kids and want their bodies to be healthy, which is why I run Veggie Enforcement, flying peas notwithstanding.
The more energy you put into the meal, the more anticipation they see on your face, and they either use this power, or fear your expectations.
In addition to getting them to eat my cooking, I occasionally also try to make the dinner presentation pretty. For me the keys are twofold for even the plainest of foods: a good serving dish, and a little garnish. Food needs a little contrast to be Instagrammed. Below, #NoFilter, #AdoboChicken #PlasticCutlery, and #PleaseEat.
Giada de Laurentiis Chicken Adobo Dinner by Mom in Mascara
Tonight, dinner looked decent, and eventually the children made a mess whilst actually eating it.
But I'm not going to lie, I spazzed a bit first.
Here's the paradox: you as a mom want to prepare healthy and tasty food for your children, but the more energy you put into the meal, the more anticipation they see on your face (and therefore the more power they have over you - by withholding eating). They look right in your eyes and can see how desperately you want them to eat your hard-earned homemade hot meal. Small kids sense this especially, and sometimes decide not to eat in order to gain ground in a power struggle, or just get a reaction.
Or they see this this "expectation to eat" that is written all over your face, and fear it. So they throw peas at you.
So the truth is that they eventually ate the darn chicken, but only after mommy cooled down. The pretty pics were the only pretty part of this meal... better luck next time.
(Pizza and apples? At least I know they'll eat it...)
Xx, Mom in Mascara
