DONT JUST FEED YOUR KIDS WHAT YOU LIKE TO EAT

When I was a little girl I was a very picky eater. I was never willing to try new foods because I didn't like the way they looked or smelled. I was always the last one at the dinner table, because I had to eat what was on my plate. One particular food item that I could not stand was peas. I didn't like the way they looked or smelled, and I really didn't like the way they tasted. I would actually sit there and swallow them whole like a pill, just to get them off my plate. I am not saying that my mother didn't give us alternatives most of the time, but there were times when my father just wanted us to eat what was on our plate. So of course when I became a parent, I decided that I would never do that to my kids. I would never force them to eat something if they didn't want to try it, hence, another mistake I made. Since I didn't like broccoli or asparagus, I never served it to my children. I had a limited menu of things that I liked, and that is what I would serve. I remember one time when I was at the grocery store with two of my children, they were begging me for a bag of fresh spinach. Really? I didn't even know what it tasted like! I always gave them fresh vegetables (that I liked) but never stepped out of the box to try new things. One suggestion I would make is to have them try one new thing every week. Don't make them eat all of it, but at least make them take a taste. You might even try going to a buffet where it would be cheaper to try new things without spending money for something and then having to throw it out if they don't like it. I really regret the fact that I didn't do that. My grown son came over one day and started cooking asparagus and broccoli, and other foods that I had never made. I told him I was surprised and never realized that he would eat that. He told me that I never served it, so how would I know if he liked it or not? Do your children a favor and cook out of your comfort zone. You may even find out that you can enjoy new foods too!