This week Rachel figured out how to get finger foods from her hands into her mouth. She strongly feels that this is the best method for transporting food including purees to her mouth. She protests with whines and cries through a tightly closed mouth when I try to use a spoon until she manages to get some puree into her hands. She then squishes the puree out of her fist between her fingers and manages wipe it all over her face, ears, neck, hair, and bib while attempting to feed herself or block yet another spoonful trying to land in her mouth. This is when "bad mommy" rears her ugly head. I shudder at the sight of gooey sticky messes. I have discussed the importance of allowing children to explore their food during my short stint with feeding therapy (lucky for me the child I was co-treating had major food aversions and would not touch most foods so sessions were relatively clean); however, I cannot bring myself to take my own advice and allow Rachel to play with her food. Luckily for me Rachel is a determined and passionate child (i.e. strong willed) and will not give up easily. She will force me to face my aversion to goo, stickiness, and mess head on, and I am sure in the end we will both be the better for it. Thank you Rachel for forcing me to face my issues with mess and making me a more relaxed person and better mommy even though I must admit right now I am not feeling that grateful.
Let me just say that somehow the messy children grow up and learn how to use spoons and forks. Look at your sister, she has learned the lesson well. Although we had a dog that helped with the cleanup. I'd say a good bath afterwards will help.
ReplyDeleteAs we discussed......
ReplyDelete1. Take her clothes off, except for a diaper.
2. Lay down a sheet of plastic on the floor.
3. When you are done, take her into the bathroom and hose her off.
4. Job done! Oh yeah, take pictures and have fun!
Yes; I'd say I am pretty well-adjusted & now use forks very willingly. David only sometimes has to deal with my whining & crying. ;) Sounds like you need a puppy to help with the clean-up?
ReplyDeleteSarah I am glad you are so well adjusted. A puppy sounds like it might be the answer, but so does a tarp, vacuum, and mop. Way less needy.
ReplyDelete