I Win!

[Abigail]

so if child refuses to eat do we HAVE to give them something when they decide they want it? I had already cleaned up lunch and daycare kid wouldn't hardly eat while everyone else was on seconds or thirds then got it all cleaned up, and the whining starts that the kid is hungry. Parents think I should give in and fix something and offer different lunch if kids says they don't want what I serve. I think I have vented about this before.

p.s. I am on the food program.

I would say it depends on the situation. If the child took two or three bites to see if they actually like it and decided they didn't I would probably make a Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwhich. I wouldn't want to do this all the time though, but I know if they're not hungry and don't want to eat at all that food will not be served again until the next planned meal/snack.

[lvt77]

so if child refuses to eat do we HAVE to give them something when they decide they want it? I had already cleaned up lunch and daycare kid wouldn't hardly eat while everyone else was on seconds or thirds then got it all cleaned up, and the whining starts that the kid is hungry. Parents think I should give in and fix something and offer different lunch if kids says they don't want what I serve. I think I have vented about this before.

p.s. I am on the food program.

I just had a visit from the FP site monitor and I asked her this question. She said NO, the only thing that we have to do to stay in compliance is offer them the proper food and proper amount. We cant force them to eat. She said that 30 min was more than enough time and if they didnt eat then they would just have to wait until the next meal. She also said that if we give in and make special meals that we are setting ourself up for trouble.... hope this helps...

[Zoe]

I just had a visit from the FP site monitor and I asked her this question. She said NO, the only thing that we have to do to stay in compliance is offer them the proper food and proper amount. We cant force them to eat. She said that 30 min was more than enough time and if they didnt eat then they would just have to wait until the next meal. She also said that if we give in and make special meals that we are setting ourself up for trouble.... hope this helps...

I think it's the same thing here in MN. We just have to offer the foods, we can't force it into their mouths It's there for them and it's their choice whether to eat it.

Now, it's MY choice to not give them a "reward" for picky eating. I understand kids are hesitant and sometimes stubborn about certain foods, but that doesn't mean that I'm going to give in and give them unhealthy food instead. My yummy snacks in the afternoon are reserved for those who make good choices. Those who don't still get a snack, just not the same kind of snack that the others who ate well do.

[countrymom]

I'm not a short order cook, I cook a healthy meal and if you eat, fine but if you don't, well you don't get desert (a lypop, a cookie...) I think the whole problem is that kids now a days don't know what healthy eating is. I have one mom who only cooks nuggets and fries everyday--I kid you not. Another mom only makes finger foods like nuggest, grilled cheese or lunchables for dinner or even better canned speggetti.
I think thats why its so important to teach children to eat healthy so they know that there is other foods out in the world that tastes good and is good for them.
I also find that parents also give up on dinner.