I spent years in the past feeling angst over my children’s picky eater tendencies. This is what I would tell my younger self. And, yes, if Goodles existed a decade ago, that would have solved a lot.
I was online at a local market when I spotted this product near the checkout.
“Pasta with protein? This looks cute. Let’s see if my kids like it,” I thought as I threw it into my basket.
It was summertime, all of my older children were away in camp or yeshiva, and honestly, my little kids didn’t want such formal food. Fresh pasta with melted cheese and a basic Romaine salad was more than perfect. And if they can get some protein in there, I’d be thrilled.
The product was Goodles, and I didn’t know at the time that it was already viral. Kids loved the fun shapes and taste, and moms just felt better about being able to serve them a pasta that’s more nutritious and filling than the standard.
My kids felt likewise. All summer long, “Goodles,” was a new dinner option. Whenever they’d ask, “What’s for dinner?” and it was a day that I hadn’t cooked a thing (i.e. most days in the summer), I could say “Goodles” and they’d say “Yay!”
Even though it’s only a couple months a year when I can get away with that (when adults are likewise happy with just grilled proteins and a salad), I want to reach out to all those younger moms who are currently feeling the picky eater angst, all year long. When my older kids were younger, I had so many years when I wanted to cook a variety of foods, and I’d be frustrated that the items that my kids would actually eat were so limited. Dinners like these Sneaky Protein Pancakes came about as a result. I felt like it took more time and brainspace to think of “Adult Dinners” and “Kids Dinners.”
My older kids eventually grew up and weren’t as picky anymore. My younger kids grew up with teenagers in the house, so their inherent pickiness was much less extreme. Even so, I’m happy that a product like Goodles now exists and that they can feel fuller and get more nutrients when all they want is that simple pot of pasta.
There were a few things I learned about my own children’s picky eater stages that I realize now, looking back.
- A little change in perspective goes a long way. Nowadays, instead of using the word “picky” I use the word “easy” when a child only wants the basics. Yes, it’s typically much easier to prepare the types of foods picky eaters like.
- It’s not about you. You want to be able to cook and prepare a variety of foods for your own creative fulfillment. Or, because you feel like you’re a better mother and you’re doing your job better if you offer protein, starch, and vegetables in each meal. Don’t worry about you, and don’t feel guilty. Right now, you’re saving time and money. Don’t be envious of the mother who needs to spend lots on chicken cutlets, salmon, or meat, to feed her family when all your kids want is macaroni and cheese. Save the creativity for Shabbos.
- Don’t try to reinvent the wheel or be creative when it comes to side dishes. You are desperate for your kids to eat vegetables. Don’t spend time trying to figure out what vegetable recipes they like. Yes, I know you want to test out every side dish option in Dinner Done 2. It could be that they’ll love a bunch of them. But don’t stress. Just have a fresh veggie platter with dip available on most days. Kids naturally like raw, crunchy veggies over cooked veggies and each child probably has 1-2 favorite raw veggies that they do like. Even cut apples and oranges works. It’s good for them to see fresh veggies or fruit on the counter.
- One dish meals saves a lot of brainspace. Yes, I recognize that you still need to cook for adults (even if it’s just your husband and maybe yourself). It could be hard to manage to prepare proteins, starches, and vegetables for the adults when you’re also trying to think about what the picky eaters would eat. All-in-one recipes are a great solution. Curate your own list of one recipe dinners that work (there’s plenty in Dinner Done and here on BCP).
- Critics might be skeptical of products like Goodles and say that it’s just teaching kids to be comfortable with their picky habits and for moms to be complacent with their picky habits. I say, again, don’t stress. They’ll eventually grow up and want variety. For right now, if they’re happy and you’re happy, it’s good.
- Think of dinner as a hug. Does that change what you prepare? Does that change your perspective towards your picky eaters? You want all children to feel the hug, to feel like you’re thinking of them when they’re away all day. Just keeping this in mind helps when you’re working so hard to please everyone.
If anyone has picky eater tips, or questions that we can answer for each other, please comment below.
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