Dear Mom I don’t really like it

Dear Mom I don’t really like it

When I was a kid you always had the two bite rule. No matter what we were having for dinner I always had to take at least two bites of everything. I hated it at the time, but when I was older and eating dinner at a girls house, it was pretty impressive to be able to take a little bit of everything without hesitation. Definitely got me on the good side of a parent or two.

Claire faces the two bite rule with equal disdain. And maybe more because I have a three bite rule. Two bites was just too easy. Three has always seemed like a better way to get a feel for if you like something. I know I never mentioned this when I was a kid, but really, what did you expect?

She does something I do not remember doing. Sometimes she likes it. Now I can remember finding something new and liking it, but I never remember admitting it. And I know I never asked for more. Claire, on the other hand, sometimes actually says, “May I have more please?”

It is always a great victory on my part, and I try not to gloat. Which is good, because sometimes the victory dance may be premature.

I have replaced rice with quinoa. Getting her to try it was not easy, but once she did she really enjoyed it. In fact I had to make more. She ate two bowls of it and showed no signs of stopping. Even after I made her eat her beef and broccoli she still wanted more quinoa.

However it was short lived. A week later, there she was, sitting at the table with a bowl of quinoa in front of her.

“I don’t like that daddy it will make my stomach ache.” She wrinkles her nose in the general direction of the bowl.

“But the last time I made you take three bites, you finished it and asked for more. In fact I had to make more because you had eaten it all.”

She paused for a moment.
“I did not really like it, I just ate it to make you feel good.”

I was laughing so hard it was difficult for me to say anything, but I managed one last bit of encouragement.

“Well, then why don’t you make me feel good again and take three bites of it before I eat the rest.”

She did not take more than the requisite three bites this time but I noticed she did manage to keep it down.

Maybe next time.

Love Mike