Ok, I'm obviously on a diet here. So there are some things I buy JUST for me... Not because my daughter doesn't deserve healthy things too... but she's 15months so she NEEDS certain fatty foods (like milk and cheese). So I buy snacks for her and snacks for me.

It doesn't matter what she has to eat while I'm eating, she wants some of mine... but... I feel awful but I don't want to share mine... Mine is expensive... mine is in pre-packaged portions (either by the store or myself)... so I try to get her to snack on something else but she wants mine. I feel horrible for not sharing.

Has anyone else dealt with this and have some advice? T_T

My daughter is much the same way. I can't tell you how many times she's climbed up into my lap while I'm eating a salad and she starts munching away. But if I make her a salad, she would look at me like "What's this?!"

But she is 4. and if this really something I don't want her to have, I tell her that it is Mommy's and that it wouldn't be good for her to eat. (There's no way I'd discourage her from eating my salad, but I wouldn't want her drinking a Slimfast, etc)

Your daughter being much younger, she is very much still in that phase where they graze off your plate. And that is a good way for them to try new foods. It's hard to find a balance here....Is she satisfied with just a taste? (My daughter will back off if I give her at least a taste)

I've also explained some of my more specialized food as Mommy's medicine. My daughter completely understands that concept since she is on quite a few medications for Asthma, and knows that only she can take it and they are dangerous for others, or if one of the animals gets it.

Eh... I'm running out of solutions. I hope I helped a little

LR

Could you try to eat at different times? I agree of course that young children do need some fats in their diets but my gosh! If I had a child yearning for my salad, berries or whatever I would give it to them. Introducing healthy foods and eating habits are so very important for children. What better way of doing this but together. By doing so, I think it is a HUGE investment to your own long-term success. My kids are 7 and 9 and to this day, if they want something off my plate I give it to them. I wouldn't feel comfortable otherwise.

It's not that I don't understand what you are saying though. The ice cream I like (Arctic Zero) is 136 calories for the entire pint--but it is almost $5 for the pint. My kids love it too but they can do with low-fat ice cream or yogurt as they do not have the struggle that I do. So, I make sure when I eat it they aren't around.

p.s. Also wanted to mention the many, many benefits children reap from eating well. Decrease in behavior problems, academic performance, immune system improvements are just the beginning!!!!!

Okay, I am a mother of 4. It is okay to say no to our children. There I said it. lol. I buy snacks for myself and snacks for the kids. It doesn't make us horrible parents. I think it makes us better parents. We need to stop feeling guilty and sometimes put ourselves first. It is important for us to become healthy so that we can live a long life that we can share with our children.

My only suggestion is to have at least 2 other choices to offer her. That way she still has some control and be strong in your decision to say no. Once she sees that you aren't going to give in, she will be happy with the choices she has. Good luck.

Yes yes YES to the above comment!!!
I am going to assume you do offer your child healthy food with that in mind. Who do you think is the worse mother one who occasionaly has an adult beverage and because the child wants it..they give them some sips or a mother that says no? Again working on assumptions you are going with the "here have a drink" mother as the worse parent. My point here is sometimes children have to be told this is an adult thing that they can't do it. It is called responsible parenting..
As an alturnative(ugh I know htis is spelled wrong but I am sooo tired) is it possible to have your snack and also have something with you that resembles that snack that she can eat all the while thinking it is what you are eating?

I've had the same problem with my youngest boy. If anyone is eating, he wants some. I just explain to him that this is mine and I will make him something. I don't think that makes anyone a bad mom. We are still taking care of our little ones. Just setting a limit on a few food items..that's all.

Here's an easy solution to try, if saying no isn't your cup of tea - put HER snack on YOUR plate. Then she can 'graze' off of mommy's, without actually affecting your portion.


I have a 3 year old, 2 year old, and 3 month old infant... I've learned a little about juggling their wants with my needs

Oh gosh, dont' think that just 'cause she isn't snacking on what I have she isn't getting healthy foods... she gets a banana or low fat cheese, or low fat yogurt or... I get a 90 calorie pack of rice cakes. There are so few in that pack that I don't want to share! I feel bad but they are expensive too. She has a lot more options.

I just wanted to know I'm not the only one who does this. haha

Oh I have a solution! I have a 2 year old daughter with a seriously picky streak. I force her to eat veggies with every meal ( immunity issues, a balanced diet is necessary). And I eat veggies with every meal so she pretty much avoids me when I have any plate of food. LOL, I know...not a great solution but hey, it might work. I hate to say it but my daughter goes out of her way to mind her own business when I am eating because she has permanently associated "yucky foods" with "mommy plate".

Haha I wish that would work but I think my daughter's too young to remember she doesn't like certain foods... She's not at all picky but she doesn't like lettuce. But she still tries to eat it if I am. haha

You are not a bad mom. My little one paws into my Kashi cereal every morning (22 months old). I usually measure out an extra tablespoon or so so I can share. I'm kind of twisted, because I figure whatever I share with her is less calories for me, so I can have an extra snack or fruit or something when she naps or is in bed

And you are definately a great mother if you are questioning your behavior around your little one. Sometimes it is ok to be selfish though!

Oh good I'm not the only one who does this! My son, who just turned 3, and my daughter, just about 1, like to snack on whatever I'm snacking on too...I do share, and then figure "hey, less calories for me!" and then make it up with something else later on. I think them eating for me has really helped my loss so far!

I face this daily because I am doing baby-led weaning (he eats off my plate) and of course a 7 month old needs full-fat products.

I change my options. I eat apples with peanut butter as a snack, celery with peanut butter, lots of Asian-style noodle soups (I make from yam noodles), tons of veggies, or smaller portions of the full-fat foods. I know that's not an option for some (to have the higher fat portions in the house) but it works for me.

Good luck

I haven't felt guilty. I just tell them it is for mommys only.

Also, once I did let them try my protein bar. They thought it was a candy bar and were quite surprised that it wasn't. They diddn't like it and haven't asked to try it again!