Feb 15

Parenting Corner – Picky eater

Q:  My son is really picky eater; once allergies were ruled out I told him I wasn’t willing to make special meals because he doesn’t like what I’m cooking. However, he refuses to eat so I end up making him something different 5 to 7 nights a week.  What do I do?

A. Great question! Right now you have zero integrity with your word.  You must decide – either you are willing to make your son special meals because it’s who you are and how you want to show up as a Mom OR stick to your word and refuse to make him special meals because it’s extra work, you aren’t a restaurant or simply because you don’t want to.  You are teaching your son how to treat you and, at a subconscious level, how to treat women.  Owning your decision is more important than whether or not you cook special meals for him.  As it relates to food, kids are resourceful and it is unlikely your son will starve.  Give him options for making his own dinner and/or let him come up with his own ideas on how to resolve the dinner issue. It’s good for kids to think and act independently.  With that said, they must know there is a by-product to their independence.  Make it clear you aren’t cleaning up after his meal; you may even want to discuss him paying for his own food.  Remember integrity with your word is the most important lesson for you and for him.

Laura Treonze, serves as Chief Life Strategist with LMT Consulting, which helps executives and teams create massive success through self-awareness. Her life-changing approach has transformed individuals and families and has redefined the way non-profits and corporations “do” business.