Soap Box

As I posted on Facebook, Daphne had her Thanksgiving feast at her little preschool. It is a private school at a Baptist Church down the street. The meal sign up earlier in the week was for chicken nuggets, cheese, crackers, juice boxes, and grapes/apples. I was a little surprised they didn’t have real food on the menu. But then I remembered this was a meal for 2 year olds, so I didn’t let it bother me TOO much. I signed up for the grapes, of course. I walked in a little late and saw Daphne sucking a caprisun, which is NOT juice. In front of her was a plate of food hardly touched. The kid next to her had a bag of skittles open and was eating those. I couldn't believe it. It turns out each kid got a bag of skittles as a present. Daphne hadn’t received hers yet but quickly noticed the other kids eating them and asked for them. I told her to eat a little more food and then I’d get them: WRONG move mom. Serve them with the food. All Daphne took from that is once I’m “done” eating I can have my candy. So, she proceeded to pick up her plate and head to the trash. I caught her half way and tried to persuade her to eat more, aware that there are lots of other parents around and not wanting to make a big deal of anything. Daphne won, only because we were in public, something I am still learning how to deal with. I gave her the skittles and she ate them all and then wondered where her food went. So, she ate maybe one or two chicken nuggets, some fruit, a full caprisun, and skittles. Ok, so this is one meal, no big deal right? BUT, what really bothers me is that we think 2 year olds need candy! Daphne didn’t know what candy was on Halloween; she called the candy cupcakes. I know she needs to fit in with society and I don’t need to make her weird about food and all that, but why can’t society change? Why must we conform to society?  Some kids are born pickier than others, but I think we make it harder for them to choose the healthier option when we’re giving them unhealthy options from the time their tastebuds are fragile and barely exploring the world. 

Even though her mom is crazy, Daphne is pretty cute. :)

I took Daphne with me to get my flu shot and the pharmacist was very nice and great, but he felt the need to offer Daphne a sucker. Luckily he asked me first and I didn’t want to look like a bad parent so I took it. But Daphne never saw it and I put it in my bag. The sucker isn’t bad. That is not what I am saying. What I think is bad is that we feel the need to give the sucker to a kid. Daphne would love it if you have her stickers or watermelon or a high five. And why do I care what other parents think about me? I guess I don’t want others to think I am better than them because I am a Dietitian. I screw up as a parent in lots of other ways I am sure of it. I am learning so much. This is one area I feel I can contribute to Daphne and Eve's well-being. And it is still possible Daphne and Eve will prove me wrong! I’ve struggled with eating unhealthy in the past. I used to struggle with emotional eating. I just don’t want Daphne to have to do the same. But maybe I can’t prevent it. And I don’t want to make it worse by making a sucker a big deal. That is why I gave her the skittles and didn’t comment on the caprisun. I guess what I"m trying to do is follow what the Lord says in D&C 59:18-20. I hope I didn't offend anyone too badly. As you can see I feel a little passionate about this!