So...new game plan. At each meal, we will fix her plate and that is what she is going to get. Hopefully after a few food fights and missed meals, AnnaKate will understand that these are her only options. I think setting high expectations now will help AnnaKate with lots of things later in life. What do you think?
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Great Expectations
Billy is still on vacation so we enjoyed taking a walk in the park this morning. We always have great discussions when we walk. AnnaKate's eating has been a big topic of discussion lately. We used to have feeding issues due to reflux we now have feeding issues due to the fact that AnnaKate is two. She pitches a fit, throws the food and refuses to eat most of the time. It seems that you have to trick her into thinking that eating is her idea or distract her. Most meal times are very frustrating for us. (I think she is very entertained at the lengths we will go to just to get her to eat:) I tend to try everything under the sun until I find something that she will eat. I have been over-thinking this issue for a few weeks now (as I do everything!). Today we talked about our expectations for AnnaKate. We both want to have high expectations but don't want to have unreasonable expectations for her. We know that she is going to struggle with lots of things but we think it is reasonable to not tolerate this behavior at meal times. We also feel the same way with behavior and manners. It may be difficult for her at first but it is not an option. It is very important that she learn acceptable behavior and manners. We are not going to lower our expectations on things that we feel are important life skills.
So...new game plan. At each meal, we will fix her plate and that is what she is going to get. Hopefully after a few food fights and missed meals, AnnaKate will understand that these are her only options. I think setting high expectations now will help AnnaKate with lots of things later in life. What do you think?
So...new game plan. At each meal, we will fix her plate and that is what she is going to get. Hopefully after a few food fights and missed meals, AnnaKate will understand that these are her only options. I think setting high expectations now will help AnnaKate with lots of things later in life. What do you think?
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Billy and I married in 1998 after dating for 6 years. In 2006 we adopted AnnaKate. We were lucky enough to meet her birth mother and take her home from the hospital. At about 4 months old, AnnaKate was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Through all of AnnaKate's struggles and delays she surprises and delights us daily! Thanks for marking this spot and coming back often to check in on us.
10 comments:
Hi, you don't know me, but I came across your blog and I'm enamored by your beautiful princess. Your new approach for dinner is what we do for our DD. We made sure that she has no feeding issues with our pedi first and now we serve her with baby-sized portions of the same foods that we have. If she doesn't like it, fine, but that's what's for dinner. The first few times were hard and we still have an occasional meltdown when she doesn't want what's on her plate, but overall it works well for us. I hope it goes well for you.
Our Andrew turns 2 next month and occasionally does battle us with food as well. We offer him what's been cooked and if he doesn't touch (or he ends up throwing it on the floor) then he's done. We figure he'll eventually get hungry and want to eat! LOL Austin (6 RTS) went through the same picky stage...it wasn't that he didn't want to eat but he wanted something other than what we were offering. With Austin I gave him 2 choices and that was it. Luckily, the phase didn't last too long!
Sounds like a great idea great.
As a mom of a typical child who is a picky eater, thank goodness for snacks.
This too shall pass!
Are these statements coming from the child that let green beans grow in her mouth. Keep up the great work with little AnnaKate Mom
Hey KellsBells! I think, as everything else, you are overthinking everything, lol. I know why you are so concerned, and if you remember, I went through the same thing with Sophie. When they are so little, you want them to eat anything. I think offering her what is cooked is great. You are a great mother, and I know you will do what is best for her! Miss ya!
I agree with your plan 1000%, and it's great for me to see a reminder to have high expectations of our special needs kids...I often think I don't expect enough from Natalie. But she KNOWS what I'm saying, and it's her 2-year old self who is rebelling, not her special-needs self!
As you know, we too face feeding issues. At times I wonder if Taylor won't eat something due to his texture issues or if it is because he has a mind of his own. If he had it his way, he would eat nothing but yogurt and muffins at every meal. You are a great mom, and you have wonderful little tricks that you have graciously passed on to me. I will be interested to see how the next week goes. I bet you will have good results!
Cassie
I agree!!! Hope the battles dont last too long.
I think that your plan sounds like a winner! Let us know how it goes!
Did you ever think about stressful meal times when you thought about becoming a parent? NOPE! :) You sound like you're right on target and I hope things are going well. This motherhood thing is hard, isn't it!
Sounds like you guys are having a fun summer!
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