Katelyn is 7 1/2, loves Thai food and when asked what she wants for dinner often replies sushi, curry, Chinese, Mexican etc. I am often told "She's such a great eater, she'll eat anything" followed by "I wish my kids would eat that, or at least try it" "How did you get her to try all these foods?"
It's no secret that the Michel's are foodies, we love to eat out. We love to try new foods and I often try my hand at oriental cuisine at home. Honestly Katelyn was never given chicken nuggets and french fries as a young child. She ate what we ate, if we were at Thai Basil, she had Pad Thai with me, if we were at a Mexican restaurant she shared my enchilada, Brent's burrito or carne asada. I don't make a separate meal for her at dinner or lunch, I also never let her order off of a kids menu, at least not a burger and fries or chicken nuggets. If you go to Europe or South America they don't have kids menus with Americanized, bland, over processed, convenience foods. Instead children are expected to participate in the country's food culture and eat as adults do.
As a young mom, I never gave my style of parenting a second thought. I enjoy food and I wanted my daughter to enjoy food with me, I didn't want her to be narrow minded and turn her nose up at others food traditions without even trying it. I also don't try and influence her decisions, to be honest there are a few things I'm not wild about but I never suggest they are "gross" in front of her. Kids follow their parents examples, and I think our ideas of food are no different. Why would your kid try sushi if you say it's "gross, terrible or disgusting"? I've always wanted Katelyn to experience different cultures, and food is a great start. Her ability to be open minded in regards to food allows her to interact with others and especially adults at a dinner table, where traditions are rooted. I think she has learned through her many travel adventures across the world and through experiencing various foods here in Sin City the importance of respecting other ethnic groups, lifestyles and traditions.
I am aware that my views are not shared by all, and I do not judge those who raise their children differently. I however spend a great deal of time explaining why my daughter is "good eater" so I decided to write a brief blog about the issue. At some point I might dive into it further, also exploring why my daughter runs around her school telling people McDonald's isn't food, and how cows milk is the worst thing for kids to drink. She's the daughter of an environmental health major who's goal in life is to change the way people look at food, their environment, cosmetics, prescription drugs, their doctors, hospitals and household cleaners.
-Crys
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