When I started this year’s garden, I told my kids they could share a garden container. The only caveat is they’d have to eat whatever they grew. Now I have one little girlie who’s a pretty picky eater. And by that, I mean she could live on grilled cheese sandwiches, cereal, and ketchup if I let her.
When it comes to produce, there’s basically one item she’ll eat with any consistency: frozen peas. So naturally, she decided to grow her own.
She planted and watched them grow as tiny seedlings! Cared and watered them.
Watched them grow…
And grow…
And grow!
And finally, last night, it was time for her to eat some! I was curious, would she do so willingly, or throw a fit? I also wanted to encourage her to eat them raw, so she could appreciate the full benefit of garden grown produce. Not everyone gets to wander into their backyard for dinner!
I started by splitting one open, so she could see the tiny treasures inside.
I then encouraged her to pick them off, one at a time and eat them. At first, she wasn’t so sure of the texture…
But she managed to eat them one by one…
Until they were gone!
Here’s one of my goals in raising my kids: to instill a joy of healthy eating. That eating fruits and vegetables can be exciting, pleasurable, flavorful, adventurous – far from a chore! This is why I love letting my kids explore in the produce department – or at the Farmer’s Market. Turns out, they actually enjoyed cactus! (Who knew?) And gardening has become a big part of this goal for our family, too. As my daughter sat there eating her peas, I reminded her about the work that went into growing them and how she could dry a couple of them out and grow new plants, too. I think some sort of connection was made there. (Or hey, I’d like to believe it anyways!)
I can’t say she’s given up cheese sandwiches for kale smoothies, but it’s another step. And I’ll take it.
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I just started gardening last year and although I am having hit and miss success, it has helped my picky eater as well. She seems much happier eating things that she has grown.
I don’t know what it is – maybe it’s a connection that’s made – or the novelty of it – but whatever it is, I’ll take it!
While my garden has been largely successful the last two years, this year I’ve definitely had some misses too…seems that the extended damp Washington weather has created a perfect environment for some pests!
I just want to commend you for all that you are doing for your health, kids, family, environment. Your blog is by far my favorite because it’s practical basic advice that everyone could learn from. So to that, THANK YOU!
OK, so I just had to read your comment aloud to my husband because it made me smile so much! Thanks for brightening my day!
Very cool! I’ve been having a similar experience with my 3 year old. His go-to veggie is carrots, and even they are a battle sometimes. Boy do I get excited watching him pull a carrot out of the ground or some peas off the plant and munch them happily. Last night he even did lettuce! My jaw dropped watching him gobble it down, gardens are awesome! I love yor blog too!
Ah thanks, Devin! My daughter is also growing rainbow carrots! Carrots are one of the other veggies she will “do,” so we chose a fun and colorful variety! Have you ever seen these before?
http://www.amazon.com/Organic-Carrot-Seeds-Carnival-Blend/dp/B001CYBWSW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1341336299&sr=8-2&keywords=rainbow+carrots
Ooh, those look neat!
I’m all about pretty in the garden – and fun for the kids!
You are an amazing mom Angela! The picky eater struggle is a tough one and can be an easily lost fight when tired at dinner from the day! Way to win one for your family!
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