Works for Me Wednesday

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Over the past couple of days, I've been struggling with whether or not I need to insist that my daughter finish her milk at meals (only served at breakfast and dinner), or if I can forgo the battle and allow her to finish it at snack time.  I put the question out to my Twitter "followers" and Facebook "friends" and the response was great!

Here are some of the great answers I've gotten:

Ashley, (not trying to play devil's advocate...just a couple thoughts) can I ask why you feel it's necessary that she completely finish her milk? "They" say that toddlers typically don't need more than 2 or so cups a day (16 oz). Is it possible that you're giving her more than she needs and/or her body wants? One thing we finally decided with ... See MoreBrendan, after attempting the nagging/discipline/forcing thing was that if he said he was done, he could be done. If he hasn't finished his plate, that's what he gets if he claims he's hungry later on (within reason - there are some things that even Brandon won't eat leftover, so we are somewhat gracious!). For us, it was definitely a *shift* in thinking - from "I'm the parent, do as I say" (grrr!) to "ok, I'll believe you, but here are the guidelines" and knowing that if he's hungry, he certainly won't starve himself. 

Tell her that her cousin will go bankrupt if she doesn't drink her milk. I know she won't know what bankrupt means, but hey, she should care about us right???? LOL

Sometimes I add a little chocolate (so little I, myself, wouldn't consider it chocolate milk, but they think its great!). Not the best solution, but gets the job done. ...or threaten no movie later. That usually gets it chugged down.

I'm no help there..if my kids don't finish their milk, it either gets dumped or put in the fridge for later. Usually put in the fridge. IF they don't get it in the fridge and it spoils then they get water next time for wasting the milk before. 

That's a good point..maybe give milk at snack instead of meals so if she fills up on it she wouldn't miss key nutrients from meals?

Yeah picking battle is important and I dont feel food needs to be one.If they are hungry they eat.I don't cook special requests tho

too worried that forcing them to eat will cause an eating disorder. Just no dessert if a good amount is eaten (for supper)

I only serve at meals too but leave the cup handy for sips along the way. I also rarely make my kids eat everything.

Maybe give her the milk before her meal? Just an idea :) Idk if it works, that's just what I have heard :)

I just leave it in an insulated cup so they can revisit it later. They only need 2 cups after the age of 2 so I don't push it.     

Thanks to everyone who responded with ideas!

I'm coming to the point where I think she is just "done" and doesn't really need to finish any more at that point in time. It's just a foreign concept to me (based on how I was raised) to allow a child to get up from the table without finishing his/her food. It's going to take a re-education on my brain! 

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