I can be a tough mom (no comments, kids!). My kids will say that I make them tow the line for things like school, doing the right thing, helping others, respecting family, etc. Yet, I do not tow the line when it comes to forcing them to eat what I cook (assuming I’m actually cooking). We have most meals together but last week we had this conversation:
Me: I’m going to start dinner now and I was thinking of grilled cheese and soup with fruit and veggies. I want to try the George Forman on grilled cheese! How’s that sound?
Easy girl: Sure, that sounds great!
Dark boy: I’ll just have frozen mac and cheese.
Me: That wasn’t really an option but let me check with your brother to see what he wants.
Light boy: I’ll have frozen taquitos.
Me: Boys, I suggested something totally different and more healthy. I want to make one meal today, is that too much to ask? How about I make pasta with homemade meatballs?
Easy girl: Sure, that sounds great!
Dark boy: Mac and cheese (at this point, he’s playing on the Xbox and doesn’t want to be bothered).
Light boy: I’ll have that left over pizza and some strawberries.
Me: Seriously guys, this isn’t going well. We are still on the three different meal trains and I am already not super interested in cooking dinner. How about tacos? I’ve got all the fixings and I can brown some meat.
Easy girl: Sure, that sounds great!
Dark boy: Why does every meal have to be healthy?
Light boy: Can I have oatmeal? Is that healthy?
Me: How about I make omelets for dinner?
Easy girl: Sure, that sounds great!
Light boy: I’m not really hungry.
Dark boy: You’re not listening to me. You hate it when I don’t listen to you. Mac and cheese.
Light boy: (the one who wasn’t hungry is now rummaging through the cupboard and eating anything in sight).
Me: If you’re not hungry, don’t eat from the cupboard!
Light boy: (looks at me with confusion and shock that I am going to prohibit the standing-by-the-cupboard-grazing-dinner).
Dark boy: I’m not hungry anyway (calling for his brother to come play Xbox).
Easy girl: (looking up from her phone) Mom, I’m going out with (best friend’s) family for dinner.
Me: Fine. Forget it. I’m going to close down the kitchen and take some time for myself!
(17 1/2 minutes later – while I am taking my first relaxation moment of the day week month)
Light and Dark boy: Mom, we’re starved! When’s dinner??
Me: (cue – sound of me opening a bottle of wine)
Have a wonderful weekend (we’re going out for dinner tonight!).
theyearof50 