By: Jenna Davis
Dinnertime—once envisioned as a moment for family bonding and a mother’s chance to nourish her children—often feels like a battlefield when toddlers are involved. Is there anything more disheartening than the letdown that is dinner time?
Honestly, I’m completely over it. After spending time prepping a meal, it’s gut-wrenching to see my kids react as if I’m serving them slugs with a side of despair. I’m tired of racing through the grocery store, hoping to find the freshest ingredients for a meal that ultimately ends up being rejected. My youngest, a toddler, looks at his dinner with disgust before flipping the plate and dumping everything onto the table. Meanwhile, my three-year-old finds it hilarious, tossing carrots and peas to the dog while I watch in a mix of horror and disbelief.
And then there’s the kicker: the following day, I dive back into the meal prep with the same naïve optimism, fully knowing that my efforts might again go to waste. When I eventually declare dinner over and clear their plates, I can almost predict the chorus of snack requests that will echo through the house just minutes before bedtime. Should I cave in and offer a nutritious snack, or let them go to bed hungry? It’s a dilemma I’ve faced more times than I can count.
I hear other moms boasting about how their kids love salads or always ask for seconds. It’s enough to make me want to roll my eyes. What am I doing wrong? Is it my cooking skills? My leniency when it comes to rules? Or are my children just pickier than their peers?
Yesterday, I threw in the towel and opted for a frozen pizza, watching in defeat as my kids savored their “dinner of champions.” A part of me resented the situation, but another voice reminded me that “fed is best.” After all, a greasy slice is better than an untouched plate of quinoa. I grew up on fast food, and I turned out fine, didn’t I?
In the grand scheme of parenting, this is just another hurdle. Next month, it’ll be something else (let’s hope it’s less frustrating). By the time my kids reach their pre-teen years, I’ll probably find myself reminiscing about the days I worried over their eating habits instead of the new challenges that arise.
Of course, I’ll keep experimenting. Tonight’s plan involves trying out a new hummus-crusted chicken recipe, and tomorrow, I might even use my Instant Pot. But let’s be real: the frozen pizza is always going to be in my back pocket.
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Summary:
Parenting is full of challenges, and dealing with picky eaters can be particularly disheartening. It’s easy to feel defeated after putting effort into meals only to have them rejected. However, it’s vital to remember that every parent faces their own battles, and in the end, keeping kids nourished—no matter the meal—is what really matters.
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