Yum, yum

This is probably the first meal here that Fenna approached with unreserved enthusiasm! (So it warranted  photo-documentation.)

Dries in the background? While everyone else snarfed down two and three helpings, including wee Fenna, he ate his required single "taster helping", but declined more. That's fine. The older children are only required to eat a small helping, but if they don't want a full serving, they still "sit at the table and keep us company" while the rest of us eat. Also, they don't get further courses -- including dessert -- if they don't stay at the table. Dries is bored, but otherwise cheerful.

Younger children, like Fenna? She is required only to taste it. So I'll poke something between reluctant lips, to accomplish that 'taste'. If it comes straight back out, that's okay. She's tasted it. Often enough, once it's in there, she'll decide it isn't poison after all, and try more. But if she doesn't, if she steadfastly refuses more, that's fine. I don't coax, bribe, or threaten. Mealtimes are relaxed and happy. I also don't give alternates. I feed them a good variety of wholesome food. Given no other options, they'll learn to like it!

As my favourite nutritionist (Ellen Sattyr) puts it, the adult decides what, where and when the child eats. The child decides how much and, yes, even whether she eats.  If children are allowed to choose not to eat, they will get hungry. As my grandmother used to say, "Hunger is the best seasoning."

Fenna, too, is expected to remain in her chair and keep us company.

Today, however, Fenna was greatly enthused about eating. No quiet watching of the others eat: she was chowing down! With gusto.

Nom, nom, nom.

Now that's a happy food face.

A couple of other family members enjoyed this meal, too, and they know just where to loiter for the best pickings.

Because not only is Fenna a droppy, spilly eater ...

but she likes doggies! And she likes sharing with them. I don't think this is a conscious attempt to avoid eating things she doesn't want, but merely a sharing with 'people' she loves. If you feed them, they hang around. For Fenna and the dogs, this is a win-win!