Forcing Kids to Eat
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a kid who refuses to eat during mealtimes. But is this battle really about food?
I remember hearing about a family meal where a young boy’s parents spent the entire evening trying to reason with him, even trying to force a bite into his mouth. But nothing worked, and it only made the dinner miserable for everyone.
What many parents don’t understand is that the issue isn’t about food — it’s about control. A strong-willed child often looks for opportunities to take charge, and the dinner table is one place where he knows he can win.
Parents should refuse to be dragged into such battles. A simple solution is to simply let the child know that they are expected to eat what’s on their plate. If they don’t, wrap it up and serve it to them again at the next mealtime. They’ll eat when they’re hungry, trust me. Kids are not going to starve, but they do need to know who is in control.
More Tips
Before making a big decision, make sure it’s you making the decision, not your emotions.
Communication is the lifeblood of a good marriage. No relationship can survive without it.
When was the last time you gave your marriage a "tune up?"
You wouldn't let your car go years without checking under the hood, so why not give your marriage the same attention?
Juggling your time between career and family isn’t easy. But how you handle it is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make.
One of the greatest things you can do for your kids’ self-image is to give them meaningful touches throughout the day. This could be as simple as tousling your son’s hair, or wrestling with him in the living room.
Every marriage goes through times of trial and testing — and weathering those hard times can strengthen your relationship.
It’s hard to watch your kids go through tough times, but struggle is an important part of growing up.
The next time you feel like lecturing your teenager, why not stop and ask them a few questions instead? Their answers may surprise you.