Wayne and I have noticed that the kids have become really whiny and have a general lack of focus and interest in any type of work. Granted they are kids, but things that they would half way enjoy they have no real interest in unless it has to do with the TV and other electronics. They are like any other kid out there. So we have come up with this hypothesis and are going to put it to the test. We think that some of the behavioral issues are stemming from their eating or lack thereof.
Lately, I have been trying to eat more healthy, unprocessed foods. I've even started making my own bread. The only breads I've bought lately have been hamburger buns and bagels and that's because I don't have enough forethought to make them with enough time to use them. So there have been some meals that the kids just won't touch. Ian has been really picky and just won't try some of the meals and they are really tasty. Cali on the other hand will eat a couple of bites but says she is done so that she can have a dessert. Her other problem is that she will constantly snack if we let her. So she will eat a lot of crap during the day if we don't keep tabs on what all she has consumed.
Wayne brought up a valid point and it was that he used to be EXTREMELY picky, but eventually grew out of it. He also pointed out one of his nephews that would only eat "Mac and Cheese" and has started to branch out. He firmly believes that they will grow out of it and that maybe we shouldn't take the "eat what I give you or nothing for you" approach and have easy, on-demand healthy (or as healthy as possible) options that the kids can eat if they insist on not having the meal that is prepared. Ian has become very adept at dealing with his hunger and will go to bed without eating dinner many nights and that is even after he has had swim team practice. Then his coach was telling me that he has a really hard time focusing during practice. He has some real skill, but doesn't try to push himself unless someone is right on him.
As you can see my dilemma is two-fold. I want them to eat healthy and try new things, but I also don't want them to be hungry and irritable because it effects the rest of their day. So for the past couple of mornings I've made breakfast with whole grains and some protein mixed in there. I am hoping that this is giving a good start to their day and hopefully improve school performance (more for Cali than Ian). Then at night I have some microwavable foods or veggies and fruits for them if they will not eat what is made.
We are also limiting how much "electronics time" they are getting and if they want to watch more TV or play on the Ipod more they have to earn it with chores or satisfactory performance at school/swim team. So we'll see how things improve or if they improve. Here's hoping for the best.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comments:
I think that's a great idea! And you are not the only one with this dilemma. I always try to offer a snack before bed when/if the kids won't eat what I've given them for dinner, but I try not to be a short order cook because I spend enough time in the kitchen as it is. We also let Hayden "earn" computer time by promptly and cheerfully doing what we've asked him to do (brush teeth, get shoes, put toy away, etc.) and that seems to work. He also does NOT get electronics time if he's had a bad day at school.
Post a Comment