Why Do We Say "Good Job" When Kids Eat?
I am going to come off like a pretentious asshole right now.
But I just don't get this, and I am of the opinion praising kids for eating is actually what makes them picky. That, and too many choices. Here's your food, kiddo, we're privileged enough we get to eat this. Let's be thankful and enjoy it, no?
I just don't understand congratulating kids on something that comes naturally. Aren't we sending them the message that what they just did was difficult? If we're hungry, we eat. So let them. We don't need to make a big deal when they eat vegetables. They should be eating vegetables. Their bodies want the nutrients. If we make a big deal out of it, doesn't that make them think, wait a minute, you mean I don't have to do this? If we feel the need to pipe in, why not just say, "It's good, isn't it?" or "I love broccoli!"
Can you imagine if we had people hovering over our own shoulders saying, "Good job, you ate so much!"
Thoughts? Other weirdo moms like me out there? Condemnations welcome.
- Jessica
But I just don't get this, and I am of the opinion praising kids for eating is actually what makes them picky. That, and too many choices. Here's your food, kiddo, we're privileged enough we get to eat this. Let's be thankful and enjoy it, no?
I just don't understand congratulating kids on something that comes naturally. Aren't we sending them the message that what they just did was difficult? If we're hungry, we eat. So let them. We don't need to make a big deal when they eat vegetables. They should be eating vegetables. Their bodies want the nutrients. If we make a big deal out of it, doesn't that make them think, wait a minute, you mean I don't have to do this? If we feel the need to pipe in, why not just say, "It's good, isn't it?" or "I love broccoli!"
Can you imagine if we had people hovering over our own shoulders saying, "Good job, you ate so much!"
Thoughts? Other weirdo moms like me out there? Condemnations welcome.
- Jessica