EVERY parent knows that getting a young child to eat anything is a victory in itself.
From one day to the next, it can be difficult to determine what your tot will be in the mood for.
And that’s why one mum was left fuming after learning about the lunch time rule at her daughter’s nursery, reports the Daily Mail.
Caroline shared her annoyed response in a clip posted on her TikTok page (@pezzi.shop).
The woman explained that her three-year-old daughter came home from school and told her that her teacher said she had to eat all of her “good” foods before she ate her “bad” foods.
She shared a glimpse inside her child’s lunchbox, which included a tinfoil wrapped sandwich, cucumber slices, strawberries, an orange, and a biscuit.
Caroline revealed that her daughter was told she couldn’t have her biscuit before eating her sandwich and cucumber slices.
She described how she felt “a little frustrated by the antiquated instruction from the teacher”.
“I responded saying: ‘Well, that’s silly, there are no good foods or bad foods. Food is just food’,” the mum said.
The TikToker shared the note that she taped to the front of her daughter’s lunchbox the following day.
It read: “Hi! Evelyn has our permission to eat lunch in any order she chooses. None of her foods are ‘good’ or ‘bad’ – they are just food! Thanks! Caroline and Joey.”
Caroline explained that this had not been the approach when she was younger but credited other mums and experts in the field of childhood and nutrition for changing the mentality.
The mum said she now has a more positive view on food, with “better responses, knowledge, and practices for my kids”.
She added that she was “proud” of her daughter for “sensing something was off” with her teacher’s rule.
Caroline explained that she and her husband “talk all the time at home” about the importance of a balanced diet.
They regularly remind their daughter if she only eats carrots or broccoli then her body won’t have protein it needs to grow strong muscles.
The couple encourage her to eat all her food groups so she has enough her to “run and play all day long”.
Different parenting techniques
Here are some widely recognised methods:
Authoritative Parenting
This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children.
It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations – enforcing rules – whilst also showing warmth and support.
Authoritarian Parenting
This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness.
It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children.
Permissive Parenting
Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority.
Uninvolved Parenting
Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development.
Helicopter Parenting
Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children’s lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child’s ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills.
Free-Range Parenting
Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful.
Attachment Parenting
According to Marriage.com, Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents.
Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family’s values and meets the child’s needs for a healthy, happy upbringing.
However, not everyone agreed with how the mum handled the situation.
TikTok users shared their thoughts on Caroline’s approach in the comments section.
“That’s great until they’re in the third grade [nine-years-old] and still as small as a kinder. I beg my son to eat his sandwich first he needs to grow,” wrote one parent.
“I’m sure the teacher wasn’t trying to be cruel. Maybe you could have talked to the teacher instead of a passive aggressive note on your three year old’s lunch?” suggested another person.
“Why send your kid to a school you don’t agree with? Also, I guarantee other teachers will tell her the same. Are you going to write notes to them too?” asked a third viewer.
On the other hand, some TikTok users shared their support for Caroline’s response.
“As a teacher, if their belly is full, that’s all that matters. And trust me, we’re so busy they’re gonna eat it all!” said one follower.
“As a daycare teacher, I will always try to encourage kids to eat at least some of their ‘foods that give them energy to play’ but I can’t imagine telling a kid that foods are good or bad,” wrote another person.
