Teenage Moments

As we approach the end of two full weeks of becoming foster parents, I can honestly say that the "honeymoon" is over. We've had a few trying days where our parenting skills were challenged. Sunday was especially difficult because they seem to have been challenged by all 4 children in our household! As I sought the Lord's guidance in how to respond to our foster daughter's attitude, it was clear to me that it should not be any different than how I would respond to my own children's words or actions.

The night ended better than I could have hoped - we talked, prayed together and she apologized. God is so good!

On a side note, we got another call today for a possible placement of 2 more children (2 of a sibling group of 4). We're only licensed to have 3 foster kids in our home, so it breaks my heart that they'd be separated, but I guess keeping 2 together is better than splitting up all 4.

Pickiness

I don't know about you, but I have a couple of picky eaters. Most specifically on my mind is my sweet boy who used to love lasagna at one point, but somewhere along the way he now refers it to the food "that makes him throw up". Here are some things he said to get out of eating lasagna: "Isn't it against the law to force someone to do something that they don't want to do" or " It says in the bible you can't force someone to do stuff against their will" or "everyone's tastebuds are unique".

I do have to admit, that I have let my kids dictate their menus in the past by always keeping that emergency bowl of steamed rice (heaven forbid we run out of soy sauce), but we've learned by our mistakes and have been trying to make up for that. We now at least expect them to try whatever it is we are having for dinner, and if they don't like it, they will end up snacking on an apple or banana later. I do admire you young moms that started off right and not giving in - that's really the key, but I know it's not too late, as we are seeing progress.

Good Grief! It's not like I'm forcing him to eat seafood, which, thanks to Finding Nemo, they think "fish are friends, not food". Oh well, we do try to make up for it by ALWAYS having plenty of fruit to snack on, and things like chips, candy and soda are not a regular part of our diets and the kids know that when it is in the house, they can only have it with permission.

Moms - do you have any favorite dishes your kids can't enough of? I'm looking for some new items to try (baked chicken or pork chops are getting a little old).