Question for those with an 'open fridge' policy - Page 2

[Mom2Joseph]

Originally Posted by HoneymoonBaby

This is probably not going to be popular, and I know you asked about those with an open-fridge policy (which we don't do yet), but I really don't think it's authoritarian to guide a 3yo's food choices. I think three is way too young for the responsibility of choosing from the entire universe of food.

I feed my child when he asks, but I give him two or three choices -- things I know he NEEDS to eat. If he needs protein, I offer cheese or peanut butter. If he's needing carbs, I offer cereal or something like that. I give him a few options and let him pick.

At three, he is not capable of responsibly choosing to balance his own diet -- he's going to decide based on taste or pretty packaging. So our fridge door is closed to him for now. I think by the time he is 4 or 5, we will re-evaluate this, but for now, I think it is kinder to guide his decision making so that he can be healthier and feel better and learn what a proper day's nutrition looks like.

I do like the food chart idea for older kids -- but my 3yo is not yet sophisticated enough to really understand something like that.

I would have to respectfully disagree with this. My DS has sensory issues that include food as well. We have an open policy and he does a terrific job of self regulating. He can go for days living on Rice milk and bananas. He naturally loves a diet consisting mainly of fresh fruit, fresh veggies, lentils, nuts and brown rice. My DD OTH wants meat and potatoes at every blessed meal. Strange.

Anyway, Just a thought, but have you looked into a possible Gluten allergy with your DS? Cravings can often point the way to allergies. I have noticed a significant change in both of my kids after going gluten free.

Hugs. 3 is an age where they are looking for independence a ways to control their invironment. There isn't anything in our house our babes can't eat. If it isn't good for them, or I don't want it available to them at home, then I don't buy it. I do have plenty of foods avail. for them and we always love to cook together too to try new recipes. That gets my DS eating everytime.

[Brigianna]

We are open-fridge, and this is honestly something I've chosen not to sweat. As long as it's not something like candy all the time, I don't worry much about it. I provide a variety of nutritious food, and they (the older 2, anyway) can take from it as they like. When I cook meals, I do ask that they at least try the meal, which they usually do, but if they resist, I don't push it, and if they would rather have a snack instead, that's fine. I'm not a short-order cook, but if you can get it yourself from the fridge or cupboard, go for it.

In the case of my two-year old, he has a strong preference for pureed food and jarred baby food over stuff that requires chewing. I am trying, slowly and gently, to persuade him that chewable food can be yummy too. He's actually sucking on a carrot right now, so that's something. But I really don't have the time, or more accurately, the will, to cajole, wheedle, bribe, threaten, beg, entice, or debate food choices. If kids couldn't subsist on peanut butter and banana sandwiches, humanity would not have survived as long as it has.