Every now and then, I think it is important to pat yourself on the back as a parent; afterall, it takes a lot of work just to get through the day and to do it while raising a great kid takes a lot of effort. Let's face it, some people just sort of shove their kids in front of the TV and expect it to be a baby sitter. Being a parent is about engaging your child and expanding their world. God knows, I don't always succeed, but I think I do a pretty good job.
On way I really believe I have helped my son out was to gently nudge him into believing his favorite color is green. Why green you ask? Well trees, grass, life... But mostly, I did it for the sake of his diet. I wanted him to be taught to enjoy his vegetables rather than look upon them as a chore, so I pushed the color green and he bought right in. Was I manipulating him? Yes, but not in any sort of devious manner. It doesn't really matter what his favorite color is, at least I can't see any reason why it would. My neighbor responds that I wouldn't want it to be pink and giggles, like thinking pink is cool will pre-determine my son for an effeminate future. That's why I call him my neighbor and not my friend. You can't always choose your neighbors.
And now, years after I helped him to appreciate all things green, my little three, almost four, year-old will sit down to generous helpings of broccoli, spinach, green peppers, cabbage, celery, zucchini, lettuce, green beans, snow peas and every other good for you green vegetable and start eating it up as happy as other kids I know with fries or pizza. As a parent, it's a beautiful thing. I only learned to enjoy vegetables after I lived on my own and learned what a wonderful part of your diet they represent. With him, he will always have the known them and the phenomenal power of the Green.
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1 comment:
Wish I had thought of that 4 years ago. My son is 6 and he only eats okra fried and broccoli with cheese on it.
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