A few weeks ago, the boys and I had school and work off for a long weekend. In an effort to give me a little more rest, John left the boys with a 'self serve' breakfast. Pre-poured milk in the fridge and leftover pancakes. The boys, seemingly focused on their rare opportunity to watch cartoons, waited until Dad was just out the door before exploring this novel approach to breakfast without realizing I was listening with the door to my room open.
It was not surprising that big brother Ian took charge. He made sure the pancakes and milk were served. It was no surprise then when Suki suggested that perhaps they might have a few marshmallows along side the pancakes. Big brother shot that one down, but did offer a healthier alternative in the form of raisins. The compromise was accepted, and when the boys finished, they burst in to share the exciting experience of fending for themselves at meal time.
Meals are usually put together, or purchased and picked-up, by Mom and Dad. The boys show up when called away from projects, Legos, or cars, and with a quick wash of hands are ready to eat. Same with snacks. Of course, they ask if they want something, but we have been the keeper of the snacks, too. We keep it simple most of the time. Tonight at dinner it was Gy Nam Daeng, braised chicken in a spicy red sauce, and Nasi Kuning, coconut rice. It was a nice combination of spicy with the slightly sweet, creamy rice, with steamed broccoli on the side and fruit smoothies for dessert. But we would like the boys to become more involved and independent in meal times.
When Ian and I were in Scotland, my dad and stepmom provided us with delicious meals, and they also set out an assortment of snacks on a side table that were available for any time one was feeling a bit peckish. Simple items like oranges, veggies, oat cakes and corn chips. Ian and I would wander past a sample a cherry tomato or tangerine, which was an easy and healthy way to snack.
This past week, we decided to try something similar at home. We put together the "snack tray" as we've taken to calling it, and we set it up at the end of the counter, which we all pass by many times during the day. We've empty and refilled a few items, but the tray holds a little bowl of cutie tangerines, some grape tomatoes and baby carrots, raisins and other dried fruit, or a can of mixed nuts at any given time.
When we told the boys they could eat anything from the tray, anytime they wanted, I wasn't sure what to expect. They could have gorged themselves on raisins or simply ignored it, but it has actually worked out pretty much as we intended. It seems like a small step for independence, but we are a family that thrives on routine. Knowing what is for dinner and when exactly it will be served is comforting, especially at the end of a long day. That being said, we all have different needs and need to feel comfortable taking care of those needs. One raisin or cherry tomato at a time!
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