How A White Board Ended One Family’s Power Struggles

Posted by Susan Epstein on January 14th, 2009 at 09:14pm

Last week I wrote about meal time issues and problems getting kids to eat. One of my readers sent me a photo about what they put together as a result of reading my book…Taking Back Your Parenting Powers.. and implemented some of my suggestions. But she took it a step further.

Irene bought a white board. Every Sunday Irene and Jay and their two kids sit down and the kids decide what they will eat for breakfast and lunch Mondays through Fridays. They write it on the board.

Jay says that in the morning if the kids say, “I don’t want the cereal”, he says, “Well, that’s what you picked.”

End of story…no arguing and the kids agree, “Yes, that is what we picked.

For lunches the kids review the school lunch menu and choose which meals they want to buy vs. bring.

As a result, the family is more organized, mornings are running smoother and parents and kids have a system that works.

Love to hear what you are doing to end the power struggles in your home.

Tags: meal time issues with kids, parenting, parenting advice

Under Children+ Family