If you have a planned menu type thing but some children don't like it, do you change the menu/give them an alternative or put out what you planned regardless? I really want to make the healthy meals I planned but it's not working how I want it at the moment. Also, none of the children like chicken, tuna, egg mayo etc sandwiches. So far I've been giving things I know they will eat whilst they were settling in. Anyway, now all my contracts have changed, there are more children for longer and therefore more meals to make. I want to become strict and choose what they eat (i.e. tuna mayo sandwich with wholemeal bread etc) like I planned but what do I do if they don't eat? (one always asks for biscuits etc but I'm already strict and will not allow anything like this if they haven't eaten their meal! )
Also, I think I've mentioned this before but as I'm discussing food.......I've got one mum who packs food (crisps/choc etc) in the bag sometimes (all the time during hols when older brother is here) for her 23 month old. I really don't like giving him this food as it only starts the rest wanting some and isn't in with the healthy food I want to provide. I'm going to say to her that she doesn't need to supply food but I've got a feeling she'll say something about him liking this type of food. Would you just say that you don't encourage that sort of food in your house? If you were a parent, would you be offended if I said this?
One more example - I have a 9 (nearly 10) yr old who was really upset once because I only had wholemeal bread and she only likes white (or that whole white stuff). I therefore made sure I had white bread in for the next day. Should I be strict and say I only have wholemeal in my house???
Please give me some tips on ensuring my house is full of healthy eaters!! (btw, my own ds is not a problem as he eats really well, although he still gets tempted with naughty stuff if he sees it )