As a mom, I’ve been through my fair share of mealtime battles. My daughter, Caroline, was a classic picky eater when she was younger. Every day after school, we’d eat a warm lunch, hoping she’d eat it. But more often than not, she’d refuse to eat, pushing her plate away. At first, I worried—was she getting enough nutrients? Should I coax her into eating? But I quickly realized something important: kids have an incredible ability to regulate their hunger.
Instead of offering snacks or cookies to fill the gap, I let her be.
I know! Very controversial! 😱
When she finally got hungry, she’d come to the table and eat what was served. It wasn’t always easy to watch her skip meals, but I knew she’d eat when she was ready. And sure enough, she always did. This approach taught me that sometimes, as parents, we need to step back and trust our children’s instincts.
On my morning walks, I often see parents stopping by the toko with their kids before school. It’s a common sight—parents buying pastéchis and sugary drinks like fruit punch. While it’s convenient, it’s not the healthiest choice! These quick fixes are often loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars, leaving kids feeling sluggish and craving more junk later in the day. And also leaving your wallet empty! At the end of the day it costs a lot of money!
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A well-balanced lunch doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple sandwich with peanut butter, a piece of fruit, some yogurt, and plenty of water can go a long way. These options are not only nutritious but also help keep kids full and focused throughout the day. Plus, they’re easy to prepare the night before, saving you time during those hectic mornings.
So, if you’re dealing with a picky eater, don’t stress too much. Trust that they’ll eat when they’re hungry, and focus on providing balanced meals that they can enjoy when they’re ready.
Wishing you stress-free mealtimes and happy, healthy kiddos!
