Derech Eretz Corner: Table Manners .2

Eew !! DO I HAVE TO EAT IT ???”

      Table manners, part two

(Dinner (some times) from a kid’s point of view, 

and a hack for parents to solve the issue)

Kids: “We learned to help prepare the food, 

set the table, wash up to eat.

Where can we sit that won’t be rude?

For sure not in our parents’ seat!!!!!

We waited our turn, and took what we liked,

then diligently passed the dish to the right.

It all looked so yummy. Our appetites were spiked.

But unfortunately, nothing looked good tonight.

 We didn’t like the main dish or the sides.

Do we choke it all down, or is there an out?

What should we do? We definitely need guides. 

If forced to eat it, we might have to shout!”

Parents: When our children were growing up, we had some rules of thumb regarding what to do if any of the children didn’t like what was being served:

-If they didn’t like the main dish, the “go to” was rice cakes with peanut butter. 

-if they didn’t like the green vegetable being served, they could go find another one in a cupboard or the refrigerator.

– If they didn’t like the yellow/orange/red vegetable being served, they could go to that same cupboard or refrigerator to find one that pleased them.

We had them help us make lists of all the vegetables of each color that they liked and made sure to have a variety in the house at all times.

When they came to the table and found something they didn’t care for, they could excuse themselves and go get a substitute.

The nutritional value of the protein, carbohydrate, and variety of vegetables served to the family for that meal was mimicked and a more pleasing way for the child without any extra work on the parent.

This system created a much more peaceful atmosphere.