One bite of broccoli
Baby Mo clamped his mouth shut at vegetables. Umi learned that forcing loses to patience.
Broccoli on the plate, Baby Mo's mouth locked tight. I used to force it, and we'd both end up crying. This time Umi tried another way: I ate the broccoli myself first, saying "mmm, yummy."
Baby Mo watched. Curious. I didn't order, just offered one little floret: "Want to try just one?" He bit the tip. His face unsure, but he chewed. One bite. That was the victory.
Appetite can't be forced, only invited. A child forced to eat learns to hate the table; a child calmly offered learns that trying is safe. Umi didn't need him to finish a plate — I needed him to not be afraid to try.
Eat of the good things and be grateful.
The rest of the broccoli? Still on the plate. But one bite today is worth more than a forced plate with tears.
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