Sylvia Toyama

I'm not comfortable when someone says ice cream is great for breakfast,
or nervously says something about my kids probably eating wild and crazy
things (not a quote; can't think of a quote). It's more reactionary
than it is open.

****

Dan, 10yo, has had ice cream for breakfast a time or two.  It's not reactionary, it's just what he was in the mood for.  He's also been known, more often, to have chicken nuggets or baked beans for breakfast.  He's my *best eater* whose favorite meal choice is whatever is on Dad's plate.  He'll try any food once, usually twice, just to see what it's about.  There are no texture issues, no foods Dan won't try, and really no foods he hates.  Like me, when he's hungry, Dan knows what he's in the mood to eat. Unlike my mom, I respect that and give him what he wants from what we have available.  My older two have very specific eating habits, eating only breakfast food for breakfast, etc. 

For me, it's food.  When people, even kids, have the freedom to eat what they want and like, they will -- at some point in time, maybe not today -- find their own level.  I take a big picture, long time-line view of diet.  A child may be 15 years old before he tries and likes a particular food everyone thought was a must-have from day 1.  I've also seen both my older kids -- who made traditionally bad food choices while young -- become more responsible and informed in their dietary choices, entirely by their own choice.  It's all about being open and truthful, sharing information about dietary choices and nutrition as it comes up in the natural course of life. 

Sylvia








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