So, two nights ago, I made a roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy (instant, b/c I still can’t seem to make mashed potatoes from actual potatoes. And, no, Annie, I don’t know why!), rolls and green beans. A healthyish dinner. Go me.
So, my 2 year old (who has been uncharacteristically finicky lately) decides he’s not going to eat what he’s served. Yes, I’m typically one of those old school moms who makes you eat what’s on your plate. And if you don’t? Well, um, well, ummmm…….well you’re definitely not getting any dessert! (I’m awful, I know.)
So, we’re having this little dinner battle over the green beans. He really does need to eat them (b/c he probably hasn’t had anything nutritious all week), and because I said so. So there.
Have you ever tried to make a two year old eat green beans? It’s not a pleasant endeavor. It’s enough to make your brain melt. You know, there are those experiences in life that everyone should have to strengthen their character. This is not one of them. If you can at all avoid it, I suggest you RUN FOR YOUR LIFE! There. You have been warned.
Okay, to keep this anecdote from becoming a novel, let’s just say that he didn’t eat them. Nope, he didn’t. And when I served them to him at lunch the next day? Nope, he didn’t eat them then, either.
Now, you know that by this point I could really care less about the actual green beans. Other than the fact that I hate to waste food, I don’t care that he eats these particular green beans. Except that I really want to win this battle.
So, dinner the next night. What did I serve? No, not chicken, et al. I made homemade pizzas. Individual homemade pizzas. Guess what the 2 year old’s had hiding under the pepperoni and cheese. 
VERY creative! I am loathe to tell you that my picky eater is now 12 and still won’t eat green beans! I have a great recipe for meatballs with celery, onion, garlic, & carrots all hidden inside (we LOVE these meatballs) and he scarfs them up even though he wouldn’t eat those things on their own. I know it is a small amount in each meatball, but hey, it’s something. And, no, he has no idea what’s those meatballs (and don’t you tell him)!
Y E S!!! Mom’s winning (every once in a while).
Hmmm… Were there green beans in the ones you served me? Did my wife tell you that I needed to eat them… now I’m all suspecious and such…
Gina: You know, we take the victories where we can get them!!! And it doesn’t really matter if anyone else ever knows. Unless we have a blog. Then everyone knows. Except the kids. (I’ll keep your secret.
)
Rantz: heh, heh, heh….
Green beans are gross. Go Jake.
Jack: Maybe it’s good that you don’t live nearby.