Picky Kids and Christmas Eve Dinner

[Anonymous]

I'm an adult picky eater. There are some things I just don't like. Part of being a picky eater, however, is figuring out how to make sure that your pickiness doesn't wreck everyone else's experience. I was so thrilled when restaurants started doing "trio of sides" as an entree. As a picky VEGETARIAN, I could usually make the side menu work even at steak houses.

OP, have you asked your kids? The older one at least might have some ideas.

[Anonymous]

Don't know where OP is located, but you could come in and go to Old Ebbitt, which is decorated, and see the trees on the Ellipse. The kids menu would work for your picky eaters and you and DH could have a nice meal. It would seem festive and unusual.

[Anonymous]

My family went to Melting Pot for a birthday a few weeks ago - DD age 3 and DS age 6. They're not picky eaters (in fact they're remarkably adventurous through none of my doing) but just wanted to let oyu know that we had a great time! I was worried about the 3 year old but she followed the rules and did great. They have a kids menu so they can just get chicken. Plus, since the veggies are never ending, you can have them fill up on the kinds of veggies they want. I wasn't sure if it would be a good choice, but it was fantastic and they really enjoyed it and felt oh-so-special-and-grown-up because they got to go there.

[Anonymous]

Ha! Yes, I did ask my older kid, and his idea was to go to the pizza place we always go to. Thanks for the Melting Pot review - I am definitely leaning that way because it's fun/different/special, and if nothing else, they would love the desserts.

[Anonymous]

Melting Pot is pretty fun. Not as nice as I remember it being as a teen, but I went recently and it's festive and interesting.

I'd do that one day, and for the other day have the following menu, which considers your list you posted and is festive AF.

- bell and evans chicken nuggets on skewers, sauces
- those little smokies in bbq sauce or the chili sauce/grape jelly combo in a crock pot (like hot dogs)
- skewers of cheese tortellini and mozzarella sticks with marinara for dipping
- one or two adult type things that you and your DH would enjoy and they can try if they want to
- a tray of lots of veggies with hummus and another grown up dip
- a tray of lots of fruit, dip optional
- tons and tons of Christmas cookies and festive drinks like cider

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Melting Pot is pretty fun. Not as nice as I remember it being as a teen, but I went recently and it's festive and interesting.

I'd do that one day, and for the other day have the following menu, which considers your list you posted and is festive AF.

- bell and evans chicken nuggets on skewers, sauces
- those little smokies in bbq sauce or the chili sauce/grape jelly combo in a crock pot (like hot dogs)
- skewers of cheese tortellini and mozzarella sticks with marinara for dipping
- one or two adult type things that you and your DH would enjoy and they can try if they want to
- a tray of lots of veggies with hummus and another grown up dip
- a tray of lots of fruit, dip optional
- tons and tons of Christmas cookies and festive drinks like cider

Thank you! This list is easy/festive and still kid friendly! Suggestions much appreciated - we will do this too!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We took our kids to Ruth's Chris a few months ago, and they made my picky 8 year old a very delicious hamburger. There was no kids' menu, but we asked and they did it. This was the one in Crystal City overlooking the airport. I am not sure what your kids will eat, but it is worth a try.

Which one did you go too? RC has a kids menu at the one in Chinatown and the one in Tysons.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We took our kids to Ruth's Chris a few months ago, and they made my picky 8 year old a very delicious hamburger. There was no kids' menu, but we asked and they did it. This was the one in Crystal City overlooking the airport. I am not sure what your kids will eat, but it is worth a try.

Which one did you go too? RC has a kids menu at the one in Chinatown and the one in Tysons.

We went to the one in Crystal City. Maybe there was a kids' menu, but for whatever reason my son didn't want what was on it. I think it was also a special menu that day so the burger was not on it. But they made one for him anyway.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi All, OP here, thanks for the suggestions! Not really appreciating the judgements on my picky eaters though. We require our kids to try everything, but kids DO have more sensitive tastebuds than adults, and their tastes often evolve over time. I was a VERY picky eater growing up and was NOT forced to try or eat anything I don't like, and I now am a fairly adventurous eater. I DO make my kids eat their fruits and veggies, but beyond that, why bother? I'm not sure this is a "bad habits" issue. Not that I have to defend my picky eaters or parenting choices to anyone...

Here are the things my kids DO like alot:
- Fish Sticks (we buy "healthy" low ingredient ones)
- Chicken Tenders/Nuggets
- Rotisserie Chicken
- Some Mac & Cheeses
- Occasionally Grilled Cheese
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Hot Dogs (we don't allow these often)
- Kielbasa & Perogies (also not often)
- Meatloaf & Mashed Potatoes (sometimes yes, sometimes no)
- Cheese Tortellini
- Cheese Pizza
- Cheese Quesadilla
- Turkey/Ham Subs (we limit this as well)
- Beef Tacos
- Sloppy Joe Sandwiches
- Broccoli, Peas, Carrots, Green Beans, Strawberries, Oranges, Apples

They don't like "mixed foods" like casseroles and lasanga. And they don't like spaghetti and meatballs or red sauce (too acidic - canker sores), generally. Or asian sauces (benihana - they are scared of the fire there, PF Changs, Chinese). And they are minimal meat eaters when it comes to burgers and things like that. So this leaves us with not a lot of options.... I'm thinking I'll call the Steakhouse to see what they can offer plain, and think a little more about the Melting Pot as well. Appreciate any ideas or suggestions or things your family does, keep it coming!

I would go have fun with "small plates" or appetizer versions of a bunch of these done up in some fun way - maybe bento boxes??? There are tons of ideas if you google and though I would never have time to them for lunch on a daily basis they could be perfect for a simple but special meal.

And ignore all the snark - I have a resistant eater and it is tough people don't know what they are talking about.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I think they like a fair number of things. We live in NoVa, so personally I would pick something like Sweetwater Tavern, Seasons 52, Wildfire, or Chef Geoff's. They have kids food (most have pizza) while also catering to adults without being just a pizza place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. This is so sad. Another reason not to let your kids grow up to be picky eaters.

Why don't you just try telling them that this is dinner, this is where we're going, and it will be a wonderful family dinner? It's time to get past your current mindset.

Not letting your kids be picky eaters is like not letting your kids be short.. I would not want my families Christmas to include sulky hungry kids who just ate bread for dinner..

Absolutely not. What OP describes is the result of letting bad habits get out of hand.

Be careful with this, Ms. Absolutely Not. Forcing unwanted foods upon kids can backfire spectacularly, in myriad ways.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. This is so sad. Another reason not to let your kids grow up to be picky eaters.

Why don't you just try telling them that this is dinner, this is where we're going, and it will be a wonderful family dinner? It's time to get past your current mindset.

Not letting your kids be picky eaters is like not letting your kids be short.. I would not want my families Christmas to include sulky hungry kids who just ate bread for dinner..

Absolutely not. What OP describes is the result of letting bad habits get out of hand.

I agree. If you have to bring grilled cheese for a seven year old especially because "there's no kids menu" you've made some food habit wrong turns. This is why I'm completely oposed to kids meals, kids menus, and the like. They foster taste buds that only recognize fat, salt, and sugar (often all fried together).

[Anonymous]

Your kids don't sound picky to me based on your list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. This is so sad. Another reason not to let your kids grow up to be picky eaters.

Why don't you just try telling them that this is dinner, this is where we're going, and it will be a wonderful family dinner? It's time to get past your current mindset.

Not letting your kids be picky eaters is like not letting your kids be short.. I would not want my families Christmas to include sulky hungry kids who just ate bread for dinner..

Absolutely not. What OP describes is the result of letting bad habits get out of hand.

I agree. If you have to bring grilled cheese for a seven year old especially because "there's no kids menu" you've made some food habit wrong turns. This is why I'm completely oposed to kids meals, kids menus, and the like. They foster taste buds that only recognize fat, salt, and sugar (often all fried together).

Really? So my kid should choose off of the adult menu and have a $30-35 entree that he would not like or eat, because it's all filets, prime rib, crabcakes, pork chops, salmon, fresh fish of the day? I think NOT.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oh, OP. This is so sad. Another reason not to let your kids grow up to be picky eaters.

Why don't you just try telling them that this is dinner, this is where we're going, and it will be a wonderful family dinner? It's time to get past your current mindset.

Not letting your kids be picky eaters is like not letting your kids be short.. I would not want my families Christmas to include sulky hungry kids who just ate bread for dinner..

Absolutely not. What OP describes is the result of letting bad habits get out of hand.

I agree. If you have to bring grilled cheese for a seven year old especially because "there's no kids menu" you've made some food habit wrong turns. This is why I'm completely oposed to kids meals, kids menus, and the like. They foster taste buds that only recognize fat, salt, and sugar (often all fried together).

Really? So my kid should choose off of the adult menu and have a $30-35 entree that he would not like or eat, because it's all filets, prime rib, crabcakes, pork chops, salmon, fresh fish of the day? I think NOT.

Then you will reap what you sow. Yes, your kids should be eating off the adult menu. They can split plates, order appetizers as entrees, take home what they don't finish, etc. But don't ever let them get used to a kids menu.