I feel compelled to have rules. Don't know why.
Here they are. (Truth be told they are really just encouragements.)
For the kids:
1. If you need to spit it out put it on your plate, not mine.
2. You must try a taste. No mouse bites. Licks don't count.
3. Don't say "yucky." Say "I don't care for it."
No one likes everything so it's okay to say it when you don't. This rule is
important if you have more than one kid. "Yucky" can hurt some one's feelings
or more a sibling feel self conscience if they like it. For little kids, one "yucky" from a big brother or sister and you'll never get them to try it!
For Parents:
1. Let them experiment with ingredients. My barometer: If I raise an eyebrow
at the suggestion I say "yes." If my stomach turns I say "no." I'm not encouraging
a raw egg and ketchup mish mosh, but diced apples in your udon will be a learning
experience. (Remember to always take a taste. It's okay to say you don't care for it.)
2. Embrace the fact that the kids are with you in the kitchen. Embrace the fact that
everything will go a lot slower and you'll need a lot of extra patience. But, don't beat yourself
up if it's six o'clock and your just getting started on dinner and everyone is moments from
melting down. Just explain what's going on and tell your child they can help another night.
