Perseverance Pays Off

Emily has adjusted to her new diet for the most part without complaint. She enjoys vegetables more and more (sweet bell peppers are some of her favorites) and she will try a variety of foods and will often enjoy most of what she is served. (More on her and food in a later post.)


On the other hand, Tyler has been leery of anything "different" and prefers familiar foods that he knows and loves. (Typical PB&J boy right here.) So when we began eating more and more vegetable and rice meals, it was a struggle for him. But he has learned over time to dutifully obey my rule that we eat what we are served pleasantly (without complaint and without drama), whether or not we like it. It has been some work to get to that point. Every time he complained about eating a vegetable, I would comment that we need to eat it more often so he could learn to like it. So until now I was simply pleased he would eat without complaining. So, suffice it to say, I was THRILLED the other evening when he came to table and commented upon seeing chicken/vegetable curry over rice, "Yea, this looks delicious! I can't wait to eat it." And then later, "Yum, this is good for me, too!" And it wasn't kissing up (I don't think he has that in his temperament anyway). He sincerely liked it and asked for a full second serving. ??!! I only mildly observed that I was glad he liked it and silently rejoiced that green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms and the like were being consumed in large bitefuls with a happy face. (OK, I did take a picture, too, but they are used to me taking random pictures.)