Xander Week 108 – I’m Bigger?
March 10, 2009
Xander showing off how big he is
I think parents often experiment with a variety of methods to convince their children to do things. Sometimes we ask politely, other times we suggest, or attempt misdirection, or reverse psychology. Sometimes “racing” (i.e. I’ll race you to the changing table, who can get there first?) and sometimes exaggeration or even a little white lie. As Auntie Jenny mentioned, her mom used to tell her that the bath water was poisonous so that she would stop drinking it.
Our two-year old has some strong opinions on what is good food and what food he “can’t want”. This has presented us with an interesting challenge – how to make sure he’s eaten more than a starving child in a third world country. I’ve mentioned this in the past, and for the most part, Zach and I have taken a relaxed attitude – he eats, or he doesn’t, and we’re pretty sure he’ll eat enough to keep himself alive…
However, we recently discovered a nifty trick. Xander is interested in growing bigger. When we explained to him that eating a healthy dinner will help him grow bigger, he believed us. Now after every meal , Xander asks us “I grow bigger?” This is said in a gruff, growl voice, and he lifts his arms and shoulders to show us how much bigger he grew. And, in our ongoing efforts to nourish our son, we perpetuate this belief and agree, “Yes! I think you did grow bigger tonight!” Or, if he didn’t eat enough to keep a sparrow alive, “Nope, you didn’t eat enough to grow bigger tonight…” Most of the time, the incentive of growing bigger is enough to encourage him to eat an almost reasonable amount.
Unfortunately, Xander has translated this into the idea that everyone grows bigger when they eat, so when we’re done with dinner he says “Mama, you grew bigger!” Which in my head makes me think, “Yep, my hips, my butt, my belly, all growing bigger – that’s just great…” But my toddler can’t differentiate between taller and wider, so I simply smile and say “Yep, Mama ate all her dinner, so she gets to grow bigger too…”
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I am pretty sure she also told us that Red Grapes were poisonous, because she didn’t like them. It is only in the past year that I have eaten them.
Ah parenting
This is great! He sounds like such a cute, fun, smart little kid. Good job Sara!