Monday, February 04, 2008

A Proud Moment

We have a thing around here called The Clean Plate Club. Yes, it is exactly what the name says. We started it when Kendall was about Noah's age and had started getting really picky about eating (not normal for her at all...she's always been a good eater!). One day I had had enough and said, "Well, then I guess you can't be a member of The Clean Plate Club! Daddy and I are members, and I'd hoped you would be, but I guess not!", and then turned and walked away. And true to Kendall's style, she couldn't help but to ask, "What's that?" So I went on to explain that you can't be a member of the club unless you clean your plate, and that those who DO clean their plate get a special treat out of the treat jar after they finish their meal. Well, that did the trick! Really the only time my kids get candy is for holidays and Clean Plate Club...and we have plenty in the jar from things like Halloween, Christmas, Easter, etc. So now it is always Kendall's main goal to get her Clean Plate Club treat...and that has made our lives a bit easier! There's no negotiating...just clean your plate and get your treat, or not! And for those of you out there who are wondering about all the articles out there relating how Clean Plate Clubbing is not a good idea because of the "portion control" issue...well, in our house that is a load of crap. The kids have small portions of healthful foods on their plates, not piles of prepackaged, filler-laden foods. It is their option to have seconds, and a lot of times they do. They are healthy and happy, and we are happy to see them enjoying the healthy foods we make.

Blah, blah, blah...that was all just background..now, back to the real story! Noah hasn't really gotten the concept of The Clean Plate Club until just recently. But today for lunch, I made him some roasted chicken, grean beans and fresh blackberries, and it was slow going to get him to eat. He kept asking for "chocwate". I saw my opening, and I jumped! I explained the Clean Plate Club rules, and most importantly, showed him the treat jar, overflowing with chocolate and all kinds of sugary crap(most of which will inevitably end up in the garbage). Let me tell you, folks...this kid can be motivated by chocolate! He ate every last crumb on his plate and I didn't have to say another word! Then he proudly proclaimed, "Good Job, Noah!!! Cwean Pwate Cwub!!! Mama, chocwate pwease!!!"

Well, there was no arguing there. So I gave him a high five, made a big ol' deal out if it, and went to get the treat jar. I opened it up and told him to pick his prize. And this mama couldn't have been more proud of what she witnessed...

He didn't even pause...just reached right in, grabbed a Ghiradelli square (laying there hidden among the yucky Hershey's kisses and chocolate coins), and happily proclaimed, " I WANT DAT ONE!"

He is, without a doubt, MY SON!!

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay for Noah! I've heard the concerns about the clean plate club and I agree, from what I've read on your blog, that it's not a concern for you. Your family eats way healthier than most (mine included.)

Having done daycare for many years, another thing I learned was to let the kids choose their own portions. The hubby and I always argued about that, but I stood my ground, asking him how he'd feel if someone dumped a massive amount of some food on his plate and he didn't feel like he could eat it all but kept getting told that he had to. I think a lot of the weight issues with kids today can be addressed by using plain old common sense.

KC said...

Oh this is such a cute story! :) He knows which chocolate is the best huh! haha

As for the clean plate club...from what I have read, you feed your kids "healthy" foods. Not processed or fast foods. so I don't see a problem with it. We give our kids small portions, and make them at least "try" everything on their plate. They are not very picky at all, which is great.

Kiki said...

I have commented on this on other blogs and I'll say it here too...you do what works and what is best for your children, no one should judge you or your methods. I think its genius and if it helps them to eat their healthy meals...then yeah, Clean Plate Club!!!

none said...

thanks for the idea. my youngest is terrible about eating her dinner. I'm going to try it.

Kate said...

great idea :) Way to go Noah for knowing what's good for ya! Mmmmm, ghiradelli!

Jenelle said...

I'm a product of the clean plate club gone wrong, so I'm glad that you are doing it in a healthy way.

I'm impressed with Noah's chocolate recognition skills.

Logzie said...

Noah has quite the eye for some good chocolate at such a young age! Love that!

country mouse said...

Now *there's* a boy who's been raised right!

 
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