My middle child is such a picky eater, which I have a difficult time relating too. I will eat anything….like…anything. Ok,… maybe not lima beans…but, pretty much anything else. I have a hard time relating to a picky eater, but I was advised recently by his Occupational Therapist that it’s all about control.
I have a weekly menu that I plan for the family, and she advised me to let him plan the weekly KIDS menu. She said “It’s about control”, which knowing him, totally makes sense, “let him plan his meals and I guarantee he will eat all of his dinner.” DEAL!!!!
SO, when I sit down on Sunday to plan my menu, I ask him to plan the kids menu.
Before I got to this point, I had to print out pictures of a menu that he could choose from. He helped me make this menu of things HE likes. I also included some items his brother and sister like, but he knows I would modify it for his liking as well.
For example, the other two like spaghetti and meatballs WITH red sauce. He does not like red sauce, but instead just wants butter. Ok… easy enough…I can handle that.
Each Sunday, we sit down and he picks out the meals he wants for each day. I write them on these Polka Dots Magnetic Labels which I stick on with these tiny little magnets that I super glued onto the command strip fridge clips that were used on the weekly menu.
So far so good!! I am so happy to report that for 3 weeks he has eaten EVERYTHING on his plate. Everyday after school he’s excited to ask “What’s on the Menu?” I look and let him know and he gets sooooo excited!!!! It feels so good to see him eat everything on his plate.
I also use the laminated menu laminated menu on the weekends to help the kids figure out what they want for lunch and snacks. It makes it easier for me and it also helps me grocery shop for things I know they like…. because they made the menu!!!
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