Sharing/Negotiating/Outsmarting Mommy?

Our DD and DS usually have opposite tastes when it comes to food. For example DS loves vegetables while DD loves fruits; DS loves milk and DD does not; DD loves sweets and DS does not, etc. So after mealtimes their plates are always "clean" because they are passing their "nonfavorites" to their sibling and grabbing for their favorites. We think they know that we would like them to finish everything on their plates so this is their way of accomplishing this task and still getting their way!

 

We do not have a "clean plate" policy at our house, but, they have to take at least one bite of everything on their plate. this way the battles are smaller, and most of the time, it is all about the battle. They will take a bite and announce that it is "good". All you can really do is make it available and limit the "bad" stuff.

 

Oops, I didn't mean for it to sound like we strictly enforce clean plates over here. Yes, it would be ideal...but when they are done, they are done. We just thought it was a funny observation.

 

Sounds like you have a pair of smart cookies there!

 

I've noticed ours doing that too! They will either put it on each others tray or hold the food out for the other one to eat. I keep trying to catch it with the camera but of course there's usually too much going on! I figured the same way - at least they are both getting enough to eat and there's not a lot going to waste!

 

My girls do the exact same thing. It is so funny...I love how they hold it out for the other to grab. How did they figure that out???????
Are we in trouble or what!!
jena

 

All of my kids do that. They all start out with even portions of the same thing, then DS#1 gets all the bread related food, DS#2 gets all the meat, DD#1 get all the fruit/veggies and they avoid DD#2's plate like the plague since she goes all psycho jedi on them if they get near her when she eats! LOL!