Picky dinner guests (kids)

[ISUKappa]

Originally Posted by CopterDad

Having lived through three stair step kids like your sister has, your drama over this is probably miniscule over at her house. Plus, the kids probably think of Aunt Ree just like mom or they probably wouldn't act like they do over at your house.

Unless its a holiday or something, as the aunt that the kids love to want to go to her house for fun, dinasaur nuggets, and dessert, I don't see where you have much of a problem here. Or, get with your sister and buy a bunch of McDs burgers or happy meals for the next dinner and suprise them.

Plus, just so you know, if they want to be little league kids, they know to only eat ballpark hotdogs.

And we wonder why so many kids feel entitled these days? Who's in charge, the parents or the kids?

I make one meal for the entire family. Our kids have to try a few bites. If they don't like it, fine, but they don't get a special dinner in lieu of what I make. I expect the same of them when we go to visit family or friends for meals.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

They might be coming over this weekend...I'll let you know what happens if they do!!

I'll tell you what I hope happens. I hope that as soon as one of them says "yuck" or otherwise complains, you'll smile and say "I'm sorry you don't like it, especially since it's what you asked for, but we don't complain about the food in this house. I'm sure your mom and dad have taught you better manners than that."

[KSUViolet06]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

And we wonder why so many kids feel entitled these days? Who's in charge, the parents or the kids?

I make one meal for the entire family. Our kids have to try a few bites. If they don't like it, fine, but they don't get a special dinner in lieu of what I make. I expect the same of them when we go to visit family or friends for meals.

Yep. A couple I used to sit for has FIVE kids. She has the same philosophy.

Their middle kids are 4, 6, and 8. They are of course in that picky age.

If Mom were to make separate meals for them, on top of making a regular meal for everyone else, she'd be in the kitchen ALL DAY.

If they visit other family or sitters and they take requests, great. But it is not expected that others will cater to them and she certainly isn't going to. I agree with that.

Sure, mom may not mind catering to her kids, but it is wrong to expect others (family or not) to do so (unless the kids have legit dietary issues like allergies or something).

[CopterDad]

Originally Posted by ISUKappa

And we wonder why so many kids feel entitled these days? Who's in charge, the parents or the kids?

I make one meal for the entire family. Our kids have to try a few bites. If they don't like it, fine, but they don't get a special dinner in lieu of what I make. I expect the same of them when we go to visit family or friends for meals.

I hear you, but the OP has already voiced her frustration on them only eating a few bites. That may work for you, but a lot of families want their kids to eat what is put on the plate.

As to little league and entitlement to play, moms just have to learn the hard way.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by CopterDad

I hear you, but the OP has already voiced her frustration on them only eating a few bites. That may work for you, but a lot of families want their kids to eat what is put on the plate.

It's hardly an unreasonable goal to want them to eat what is put on their plate while learning to eat all kinds of food, specifically what the rest of the family is eating.

Believe me, having a kid with Asperger's I understand where you're coming from. There are some foods (many actually, including hot dogs with lines) that he's picky about because the textures and tastes are just plain off-putting to him. But I don't think we do him any favors by not serving him what we're having. We try to make sure there's always something that he'll like on the plate, but otherwise as a general rule, "this is what we're having tonight. Make the best of it without complaining." If he leaves too much food on his plate, well, that hungry feeling he has later will teach him to eat what's put in front of him.

And I still say there is no excuse for these kid's rudeness, which is the major problem. Mom and dad are doing them no favors letting them get away with that.

As to little league and entitlement to play, kids just have to learn the hard way.

Fixed it for you.

[CopterDad]

Originally Posted by MysticCat

And I still say there is no excuse for these kid's rudeness, which is the major problem. Mom and dad are doing them no favors letting them get away with that.
Quote:
As to little league and entitlement to play, kids just have to learn the hard way.
Fixed it for you.
__________________


Fixed it for you.

Thanks, I hate you. Still, it's the weekend and I don't see a problem getting three happy meals to squelch a drama episode, easy as pie.

[MysticCat]

Originally Posted by CopterDad

Thanks, I hate you. Still, it's the weekend and I don't see a problem getting three happy meals to squelch a drama episode, easy as pie.

You're most welcome.

We've done the sandwich thing AGDee described. And I can see the Happy Meal thing as an ocassional thing -- I've done it. But there's a right way and a wrong way to do it. And the Happy Meals should be an exception, not the rule. The way to squelch the drama is to teach the kids that the drama will not be tolerated; dancing around them because it's easier doesn't help anyone.

I think ree's problem is they tell her what they want and then don't eat and complain about it. As I've said, I don't think the real issue is that they're picky eaters. The issue is their parents are allowing them to be rude and inconsiderate. That's a real disservice to those kids -- and to their future friends and significant others.