Caroline is not generally very fond of meats...steak is mildly acceptable if drowned in ketchup, pork is not acceptable in any form except ham and chicken is looked at in dismay unless it is disguised in some way. It is an unfortunate conflict that she would prefer to eat mostly meatless meals, yet seems to have my blood sugar problems and requires quite a bit of protein to feel well and to have a cheerful disposition.

This is background for last night's dinner. We had a roast chicken among other things. All other items on her plate were happily consumed and the chicken sat there. On her plate. Sad and alone. Scorned by the eater.

Our children have to eat a few bites of each thing served to them. Caroline has sometimes asked us to help her eat her food that she is not fond of by telling her that it is a pink teddy bear or pink bunny or kitty. You get the idea. Well, last night it went something like this.

Mommy: "Caroline, you need to eat at least two bites of your chicken."

Caroline: "Okay." (in a sad resigned little voice and proceed to eat two bites, each the size of an english pea)

Mommy: "Sweetie, I think you need to eat a little more chicken than that or you are not going to feel very well later."

Caroline: "I don't like chicken. I'm all done."

Mommy: "Why don't you pretend that piece (motion to piece of chicken the size of a postage stamp (a standard sized one, with self adhesive and a flag on it)) of chicken is a (grins...) pink teddy bear!

Caroline: (with a flat expression) "The pink teddy bear died. The pink bunny died. The pink kitty died. I'm all done."

I stifled a giggle and dinner was over.

Posted by stephanie at May 5, 2006 09:04 AM