The Food Battle

Lately, the twins have been VERY picky about what they will eat. We will put a plate in front of them at dinner and they just push it away. We started taking away their Dora (TV program) in the evening, which we didn't like, because almost every night we felt like we were punishing them, which lead to a very negative feeling. So we decided that if they didn't want to eat, that was fine, no punishment, but they would be served the same food at every meal (except breakfast) until they ate the meal. This way we don't waste food and it gives them the message that "you get what you get" and that we are not running a restaurant here.

So we started this last night. I made a nice dinner of talapia with vegetables. Of course, it was pushed away right away...barely even tried. So we let them down from the table. I am assuming they went to bed a little hungry, but as our pediatrician said,"they will eat if they are hungry" Today at lunch the same exact plates were given to them. Liliana saw it and wouldn't even sit down at the table and instead asked to go straight to bed for her nap. Lucas sat down, ate one bean and that was it. So off they went to their nap hardly eating a thing.

Tonight at dinner, again the same plates were offered. Again, they were refused. I was beginning to think that this was a bad idea...they need to eat. But sure enough, around 7pm, their stomachs must have started to rumble and they both willingly sat down (albeit at their little table) and ate almost every bite of fish and vegetables. This parenting business is tough!

They even seem a little happy....hmmm.