Our daughter stopped for a visit yesterday morning with the twins she cares for during the day. (The adorable little munchkins -- a boy and a girl -- turn 2 years old tomorrow.)
They joined us for lunch which was warmed-up leftover meat loaf, potato casserole and freshly cooked broccoli. The twins have always been eager little eaters of just about anything set before them, but are especially fond of broccoli whether it's raw or cooked.
Forkful after forkful (and sometimes handful) of broccoli disappeared into their wee maws until their dishes were devoid of green at which time they both asked for more, please. To this, Bopee (their name for our daughter) told them, "Eat some of your meat and potatoes and then you can have more broccoli."
Now I ask you, how many parents/caregivers of young children would be ever so pleased to have the need to speak that sentence?
Enjoyed this post. And I don't think I EVER had to say that to my kids or grandkids!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cootie Bug . . . and welcome aboard!
DeleteThat's awesome!
ReplyDeleteJJ - That it is!
DeleteOh, I would love to have to say that!!!
ReplyDeleteI usually say something similar only with some words in a different order.
Wendy - I think we've all had similar experiences of getting little ones (and sometimes big ones!) to eat a balanced meal. Granted, it's not usually the greens that get eaten first though!
DeleteNever, EVER, have I heard that uttered at the dinner table. Tots or adults. Ever. That Bopee is doing something right... :)
ReplyDeleteSusan - Ever since the twins could do it, she's let them feed themselves (mess that it sometimes makes!) and I think there might be something to the theory that kids will choose to eat what their little bodies need if given the choice of properly prepared, nutritious foods. They get absolutely no junk foods or processed foods and very little sugar. (Hrumpf, wouldn't that be good for all of us??)
DeleteSaid no parent or caregive that I have ever known. That's great!
ReplyDeleteDFW - Yep, it was so weird to hear those words actually spoken that we three adults around the table just kind of looked at each other and shook our heads!
DeleteMy son has always loved broccoli; I think it is his favorite vegetable.
ReplyDeleteMichelle - Tell him that's a good thing because it's as good for building muscles as spinach was for Popeye!
DeleteWe called broccoli "tiny trees" when the kids were little. They were good with broccoli, it was brussel sprouts they wouldn't touch (still won't). -Jenn
ReplyDeleteJenn - I don't think it's unusual for kids OR adults to avoid Brussels sprouts, but I've always maintained that you shouldn't give up on them until you've tasted fresh ones right from the garden. They taste entirely different than those bitter, nasty ones that aren't fresh!
DeleteMy son would eat roasted brussels sprouts every day if I could afford them! Haven't tried growing them; we haven't had much luck with cruciferous vegetables.....
ReplyDeleteI read that roasted Brussels sprouts were less bitter than the boiled ones. However, I just loved them boiled and they don't seem bitter to me.
DeleteI am impressed.
ReplyDeleteNutritious and delicious broccoli from Mama Pea's garden.
The twins have the very best caregiver.
DDD - The twins and their 5 year old sister (just started school this year) do have wonderful caregivers . . . including my daughter!
DeleteThat's so cute. Our youngest grandson wants broccoli at most any meal - he'll ask for broccoli with his pizza - and is just as crazy for tomatoes - he eats them like an apple. Love to see kids eating their vegetables.
ReplyDeleteJoAnn - Yes, broccoli on pizza is a great way to introduce it to the young kiddies. Any vegetable could almost be "disguised" on a pizza!
DeleteNothing better than a kid who loves to eat healthy foods. My kids both liked broccoli but the daughter still doesn't like fruit. Weird kid.
ReplyDeleteSparkless - Well, they tell us vegetables are more beneficial to our diet than fruits (sugars, even though natural) so maybe your daughter is the wise one!
DeleteWow, kids that love broccoli! I like it!
ReplyDeleteExcellent!
ReplyDeleteOur kids loved the "trees" too, and still do as adults. I'm not sure they would put it above meat and potatoes, though.
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