Very unhealthy eater

[playfelt]

I stopped stressing about the non-eaters and realize it isn't my job to make them eat and it isn't my job to be a magician and make things like veggies disappear into other foods. My job is to serve a balanced meal and the parents to pick up the slack since I agree that in many cases they made the problem in the first place.

[sunnydays]

I agree with DCW and Playfelt...stressing about food is not worth it. On the other hand, it is in my best interest as well as the childrens' that they eat well and stay healthy as if one is constantly picking up colds and flus, it passes to the rest of us as well and not only that, but I have to care for a constantly sick and cranky child. I don't make special meals for any one child, but I do put thought into my meals and try to pack as much nutrition in there as possible so that we all stay as healthy as possible. I can't force them to eat it and I can't force their parents to feed them well at home, so I don't worry about it too much.

[Artsand crafts]

I stopped stressing about the non-eaters and realize it isn't my job to make them eat and it isn't my job to be a magician and make things like veggies disappear into other foods. My job is to serve a balanced meal and the parents to pick up the slack since I agree that in many cases they made the problem in the first place.

I realized this after the first year of having this daycare. I used to hide veggies in meals. I am not doing that anymore. They get to see the broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, carrots, etc. and they eat them most of the time. A favorite with my current group is cheesy cauliflower. It took me about 4 times of serving it and we went from nobody touching it to everybody asking for more now. I don't know how they eat at home and I don't ask parents. I serve foods and if they don't eat what I serve they go hungry so they learn very fast to eat when meals are served. I think it also helps in my particular case that I always start with infants. So they get to learn our daycare eating habits since the beginning.

[Dreamalittledream]

I realized this after the first year of having this daycare. I used to hide veggies in meals. I am not doing that anymore. They get to see the broccoli, cucumber, cauliflower, carrots, etc. and they eat them most of the time....I don't know how they eat at home and I don't ask parents. I serve foods and if they don't eat what I serve they go hungry so they learn very fast to eat when meals are served. I think it also helps in my particular case that I always start with infants. So they get to learn our daycare eating habits since the beginning.

I could not agree more. Another poster gave great advice on this to me when I first started, that it simply our job to offer healthy food. I used to hate throwing out so much. In fact, I bring that up in interview. That I serve what I serve; of course, allergies being the exception. I've learned to serve my super slow eater first, to start with very small portions and to serve the dessert (usually fruit) only to those that finish.
I have 2 in care right now that won't touch a vegetable at home...but gobble everything up here

Kids have great power when it comes to food and I feel they realize that. So, I try to take a relaxed approach in that they have to try but beyond that I don't get upset. I have one that holds everything in his mouth if he doesn't like it...soooo gross! I'm still working on overcoming this one (right now he stays in his chair until the food is swallowed...not safe otherwise!).

[busydaycarelady]

I suggested making a one bite of everything rule it you don't leave the table or get dessert etc. they responded with 'that is cruel and unfair'.