Mealtime Breakthrough

To say that Julia is a picky eater is an understatement. To say that Julia is stubborn is also an understatement. Those two characteristics make for some interesting mealtimes...such as Julia only drinking a glass of milk for dinner.

This evening's menu was grilled chicken, peas and homemade macaroni salad. Julia's plate had four bites of chicken, three peas and 10 pieces of pasta. Much to our surprise, Julia devoured the chicken. Why is this such a big surprise? For the first time that we can remember, Julia ate real chicken (not chicken nuggets). So I was quick to give into her request for more chicken.

When she asked for a third serving of chicken, I told her she needed to eat one pea and one macaroni. Julia absolutely, positively refused. Until she saw the extra chicken (on my plate and Troy's plate) disappearing. Then, miracle of all miracles, Julia ate all of her macaroni salad and one pea! We praised Julia for eating her dinner, but we didn't go overboard. You could tell that she was also proud of herself for (finally) trying new foods. Plus, she got a serving of Mississippi mud cake for dessert!