Many years ago when my (now giant) kiddos were tiny things, exhibiting less than stellar table and food choices, a friend mentioned a term she used at her house called Polite Bites, and I instantly incorporated it into my vocabulary. Polite Bites is basically the idea that, when offered a meal prepared by someone, it is kind to accept it graciously and to politely try what is on the plate. This was a very serious discussion at my house about being grateful no matter who is feeding you, whether that’s Mom or Grandma, etc. I asked them how they would feel if they had worked hard on painting a beautiful picture and gave it to me, and I said I blue was a yucky color, so the painting was no good, and I didn’t want it. The looks on their faces were stunned, but my point was made! #toughlove When my kids were 3, 5, and 8, I required 1 bite of everything on the plate to constitute POLITE, and over time, I added to the number of bites required (I think we got up to 3.). They did not have to eat all of anything, but they had to try one bite of everything. Most of the time, there were a few items they would eat completely. If we were at home, and Polite Bites were taken of the meal they were offered, they could politely request an additional option if they were still hungry, but that would not happen until after we had all finished. When this would happen, they would have a half a peanut butter sandwich or a small bowl of cereal to top them off. Then we would all go about our evening. When that was our rule, I could count on them taking Polite Bites of Grandma’s dinner, and then have a quiet discussion about having a sandwich when we got back home. Now that my kids are teens, I don’t talk about Polite Bites much unless there is a particularly toddler-style vibe happening in the attitude department, and then they are (politely) invited to make themselves something else once dinner is over. #moretocome #pickyeaters #momswholovethem
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