Why my kid is a "dumpster" and I love it!

I'm going to omit any names here because I didn't ask permission to use them. I know you read this and I think you'll know who you are anonymous clever mama.

A wise mother I know once told me "(insert child name) is a dumpster and eats whatever I put in front of him." I read that comment and laughed, then realized my daughter is a dumpster too. After that realization I reveled in the fact that my daughter loves to eat and eats anything.

Annabella, Micah, and I all have very healthy appetites. We enjoy 3 meals a day and plenty of snacks in between. And dessert!!! Who could ever forget dessert?!?! I love the fact that I can put a piece of polenta in front of her, topped with black beans, tomatoes, and spinach and it disappears in no time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I am just very fortunate to have gained so much knowledge about nutrition while myself, my husband and my daughter are still young. I feel good knowing I am putting the best nutrients into her body and that I am caring for myself in the same way; ensuring a long, healthy life for both of us(well all three of us actually!).

Knowing that our children look to us for advice and guidance means as a culture we parents really need to drop the whole "do as I say not as I do" bullshit and be true role models for our children. We learn by watching and when a child watches their mother scarf down a candy bar yet hand them a plate of veggies the little minds know something just isn't right. No wonder so many parents whine, "my kid will not eat vegetables." Well have you tried eating them? And also who does the grocery shopping? I'm pretty sure you can come up with some ways to show your kids vegetables aren't completely disgusting.

So what I'm getting at is not only feed your children right, but yourself. One must love themselves above all others; this is not selfishness, simply self preservation. Making sure you (and your children) are in great health is the best thing you can do for your family, ensuring you'll be around for the long run because a parents love outweighs any materialistic wishes.

So eat your greens and kiss the wee ones when they eat theirs too!