How To Make Family Meals Less Stressful
GUSTO
That’s what pops into my head when I see this. How about you?
Do mealtimes at your house look like this?
Why do you think this kiddo’s eating his meal in such a relaxed and comfortable way?
I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think it’s because he’s focused on eating certain nutrients or the “required” serving of his meal. I also don’t think it’s because he’s been told about the “healthy” things spaghetti and tomatoes will do for his body.
Nope.
I’ll bet he might be eating this way for some of these reasons. Perhaps:
🍝 he’s hungry
🍝 he loves spaghetti
🍝 no one is looking at or commenting on how much spaghetti he’s eating
🍝 everyone else at the table with him is eating their own spaghetti
🍝 he helped make the spaghetti
🍝 there’s pleasant chit chat happening at the table around him
Are you following? Sure, spaghetti is a popular meal with most kids, but this same approach applies to any food or meal you might serve your family. When we stop “dancing” around our kids, trying to “get” them to eat, they eventually just get on with it.
So, how do you make this happen? Here are a few tips:
Skip the “healthy” messages and the nutrition lecture. They don’t work.
Make simple meals for your family and get your kids to help out if possible.
Make food that YOU want to eat, and always include something you know that your kids can fill up on - maybe that’s bread or pasta.
Put out the food and invite everyone to help themselves to what and how much they want from what’s on offer. Help anyone who needs it.
Sit back and eat your own meal.
Talk about anything EXCEPT what anyone’s eating.
Rinse and repeat. Every. Single. Day.
Feeding kids is a LONG game - trust me, I’m a mom of three and a grandma - I’ve been there! I also know from experience that if you stick with this approach over the long term, it works. Everyone will get there in the way that’s right for them, and you’ll spend less of your precious time and energy trying to persuade your kids to eat.
You’ll get to eat the variety of foods you enjoy. Mealtimes will be more pleasant.
Have you done this? Are you game to give it a try? I’d love to know what you think.
Comment below or drop me a line at janet@rainbowplate.com
I’m here!
🌈 Janet