I feel like I'm being a bad mom because I can't come up with meal plans for my 20 month old. She's getting tired of chicken nuggets, eggs, yogurt, etc. I know they say if they eat the same things over and over it's ok, but what do you do when those foods that have been working are starting to fade. The newest thing for her has been cheeseburgers, but I don't want to give her greasy food all the time. We also found out that we're expecting another baby after our miscarriage and this one is doing great. I guess the one thing I should be greatful for is that my daughter still loves her fruit and veggies.
Another note I feel that my 20 month old is bored from time to time and my husband doesn't want me to keep buying toys especially since we might be moving to another state. Any ideas?
I agree with everyone else to feed her what your eating. If you don't sit down to eat as a family, she can always get your leftovers the next day. that's pretty much what we do. I also use this site: http://www.wholesometoddlerfood.com/ as well as Everyday Food Magazine (www.everydayfoodmag.com) for ideas. Especially on the nights we aren't eating together because one (or both) of us aren't at home with him.
My son ate PB&J forever I remembering calling and asking the Dr. about it and of course he told me its ok but come on I would not eat PB&J day after day so why should he, at least he ate but still I know what your saying and feeling. I started using the crock pot so dinner would be warm for eveyone whenever they ate. You can pretty much make anything in the crock pot with a little time and effort so what you eat she eats.Or How about spaghetti, chicken or turkey burgers, Tacos not spicey,chicken cut up no skin, ground turkey add spicies for more flavor, Tortillas and cheese toasted like a grilled cheese, grilled cheese, lunchmeat and cheese, Pitas with hummus, pizza cut up in small pieces, or pizza on pitas that way the crust is softer,stir fry with vegys, meat and rice,fishsticks.
check out www.cooks.com or foodnetwork.com
Just feed her what you would eat.
Hi J.-
Obviously it's great being able to give them whatever you're eating, but it's not always that easy at our house as we typically feed our daughter (15mos) at 5:30. We eat later as my husband doesn't get home from work until 6:30 which is to late for her. Sometimes I can give her leftovers from our dinner the night before but again it's not always that easy esp. if it's not toddler friendly food or there's no leftovers. I've found a couple of very simple meals that she really likes, are yummy and healthy. Maybe your little one will enjoy as well:
Quesadillas (I use shredded cheese, chicken, tomatoes or any chopped veggies I have around)
Chicken Casserole (diced chicken, peas, pasta like bowties and cream of chicken soup)
Grilled Cheese/Tomato Sandwiches
Mini Pizzas (I buy the premade dough, put in muffin tin, add pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni)
Baked Won Tons (buy the won ton wrappers in fridge dept at grocery store, fill with anything, fold over and twist end-easy for them to hold and my daughter loves them-I fill with chicken, broccoli/cheese, mashed pototo/cheese, etc).
I also use my rice steamer and steam chicken breasts, carrots and broccoli on Sundays and use the chicken in other foods over the course of the week.
Good luck!
D.
My son has been kindda picky too (he is 3.5). I would feed him what I knew he would eat and as he got older he would see us eating stuff and try it. He loved spaghetti, grilled cheese, hot dogs, quesadilla (just 2 tortillas with cheese in the middle in the micro for about 20 seconds) chicken noodle soup (with all the carrots picked out...LOL) and mac and cheese. Try getting her involved with cooking when possible....makes them more willing to try stuff when they know whats in there.
My little guy is a picky eater too so I have very little help to offer there but as for the boredom, try swapping toys with a friend. A toy that your child may no longer play with will be appealing to another child. Plus when that toy is returned later, your child may have renewed interest in it. You can also look at garage sales or ask for hand-me-downs from family.
We have always from day one given our kids our dinner. They have never, except whent hey were eating baby food had a seperate dinner. Give her what you're eating so you do not turn into a short order cook.
Good luck
J.,
Maybe you can start giving her other foods to try that come from YOUR plate. My son (just turned 2) is fascinated with what's "Mama's" or "Dad's" or his. So, even if he won't eat HIS mashed potatoes if I ask him, "Do you want to try some of Mom's?" he'll almost always eat some.
As for being bored, it's not the amount of toys you have but more that you can rotate them in and out of play. We have about 1/3 of our sons toys available for play and every few months we take a few away and bring up an old one from the basement. You'd swear it was the best new toy ever in his eyes.
Just some ideas.
Good luck.
T.
I agree-- same foods as you are eating is good. Also good incentive to eat healthier!
As far as boredom.... It's not about the toys- it's about the engagement. Try introducing an art activity everyday. There are some really good books out there with ideas. Try putting on music and talking about the instruments-- then dancing. "Dance like you are a squirrel. Dance like you are a fish, etc.". Imaginative play with sock puppets on your hands. Go exploring! The weather is great. Look for bugs and leaves. Go to the library.
Try to set a weekly schedule for you guys. It makes it easier on both of you and keeps you busy!
Have fun and congrats on the one coming!
J.:
try feeding her the same foods you are eating.
P., RLC, IBCLC
Pres. Lactation Support Group, Inc
www.lactationsupportgroup.com
