Every Monday is Menu Plan Monday, where you will find great recipes and organizing tips from Laura and her fabulous readers.
I am currently gearing up for a workshop on Tuesday, so I am going to bow out today and insert and old post... copping out a little, but folks, I've been hashing out Greek pizza and Pastichio all weekend at my church's GreekFest, and my energy level is plummeting fast!!!
***originally posted May 3, 2008
So Your Little One Does Not Like All Things Bread...
I personally can't imagine it, but according to one of our blog readers, it's true. If your little one turns up her nose at sandwiches, noodles, rice... well, I must say I feel for you, because I don't know what I would do!
First of all, you might mention this to your pediatrician on your next visit. I've always believed kids are great at listening to their bodies, and maybe her body is telling her not to eat it. It may be, though, that she doesn't like the texture or taste for that matter, so after you've ruled out all things medical, then here's my advice...
Since whole grains are essential, I mean really essential, to our growth and development, then I would work hard at finding ways to fit them into her diet. Read one of my favorite articles on whole grains to see all the medical details (http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-whole-truth-about-whole-grains).
All these reasons will make sense to you, but to your kid, decreasing her risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer may not be that motivating. That's why my MOM ADVICE is to make it all about the poop.
What?
Did she really just say that?
Yes, I did!
It's all about the poop!
Biscuit will not appreciate me saying this, but he is obsessed with his poop (I hear Oprah is obsessed, too). Biscuit and Oprah know what healthy poop looks like, and they also know that eating whole grains is the way to keep poop looking healthy. When Biscuit's poop is a c-shaped solid brown poop, then we have a little celebration. I tell him he must have eaten his whole grains, because his body is happy and telling him about it. (It is NOT a mom lie to tell your kids their bodies talk to them via their poop).
SO, analyzing her poop may not be the most ladylike thing she'll ever do in her life, but it will be one of the most beneficial. If her poop is less than healthy-looking, encourage her to eat more whole grains. If she follows through and has poop that would make Oprah jealous, then offer her a reward of her favorite activity, have a new toy stashed away for the occasion, or my favorite... create a special poop song and sing away.
Of course, the down side of talking so much about poop is the 'preschool effect.' Go ahead and clear a space on your counter for the note from her teacher. She'll without a doubt feel the need to educate her friends on good-looking poop, and might even want to give her friends a free poop analysis.
SO, you might want to work in a little discussion about poop-talk etiquette.
Here's my little Blondie, who has yet to turn down bread in any shape, form or fashion. She was in a royally bad mood in this picture, so why do I think it's so cute? I guess it's only when they're teenagers that those bad moods seem a little less adorable.
Have a great week, and thanks again, Laura!!! Don't forget to visit orgjunkie.com !
