What Is So Weird About My Son Eating Broccoli??? =-)

Next time, I'd just smile sweetly and say, "In our house, we think NOT eating veggies is weird!"

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I would say, "Actually it's not weird -it's healthy! Has ______ ever tried it with dip like this?" I'm amazed at how many parents never even OFFER their kids things like broccoli because they automatically assume kids won't eat it. My oldest has always loved broccoli and spinach, and I have gotten "amazed" remarks about it. I always say, "Yep, it's awesome he likes broccoli, because I can't stand it!" And it's true -I hate it, but I do love most other veggies. I have very strange tastes, but I've really strived to make sure my kids know that just because I don't like something doesn't mean they can't like it or eat it (like jelly, pudding, jello, applesauce, cooked fruit, fruit bars, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, raisins, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bananas, oatmeal -it's a long list with some pretty healthy stuff on it!).

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Maybe just say "Oh you should have heard my little Joey last time you came over. That night, we had broccili in our dinner and he told his dad that eating broccili was weird. Can you believe how much they listen to what we say when we don't even know they're listening? Man, they soak up everything,don't they? (and with a smile, say:) Please don't mention that the tooth fairy isn't real. He'll freak out." Maybe your friend will watch her words in the future. If not, well then I guess you basically just let it go.

BTW - my 3 yr old loves broccili and cucumber. He asked for 'more cucumber please' last week. He ate beets yesterday, plus the beet greens -- willingly! We didn't make a fuss over him having to eat it, nor did we make a fuss that he did actually eat it. I tell him he must try one bite of a new food before he is allowed to decide he doesn't like it.

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Tell her it's only wierd when he eats it over ice cream.

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It is weird, but awsome! Jokingly tell your friend that you've got a good thing going and not to sabotage it. Make a joke out of it to her, but really, keep this thing going mama, cyper high five.

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We hear this all the time when people eat with us. Our kids are pretty adventurous eaters. We have heard the "Man that's weird" comment a few times. I always respond "It's not weird it's awesome! My kids eat all kinds of yummy foods. It's going to make them smart and strong". If the comments continued, I'd probably just mention that my son was bothered by her comments and we want to keep up the healthy eating, so if she could not make a big deal it would be great. I imagine she doesn't mean anything by it, sounds like she is in awe rather than criticizing.

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I know a few moms who only serve mac and cheese, chicken nuggets and brownies and ice cream to their kids.

Terrifying that they think children could not possibly enjoy healthy foods. Well, most of those moms don't eat any vegetables or fruit themselves either.

Honestly, if she does it a third time, I would reply, "I think it's weird your children don't eat healthy foods!" and giggle and leave it at that.

And seriously, there is nothing weird about a kid liking vegetables. Asparagus, celery, broccoli, carrots... all staples around here.

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BEFORE the next play date, you need to mention this to her - just be open and honest. Please don't comment on how my son eats because last time he mentioned it at dinner and I don't want his good habits messed up, ok?
My MIL hates peas and I made it very clear to her that she is not to express this opionion in front of my kids - Well she can now because they are 6 and 8 and LOVE peas and like to rub in in her face (not literally) and joke about how when Grandma comes over we should sneak some peas into the food somehow!!! They think that SHE is the weird one! :)

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We have a veggie lovin' grip of kids over here at my house! Broccoli is on the menu for 2 of my 4 boys when they get to pick their special birthday menu...so I don't think its weird, at all!

I have come across waitresses and airline attendants who have also commented on my kids' eating habits...I just laugh it off and say something to the effect that "Don't you wish all kids could be so cool and healthy eaters". This one time when it was time for the drink cart to come around on a plane ride, my then 4 year old asked for a V8 and the attendant wouldn't let it go! She told everyone she came in contact with about it...made such a huge deal about it that I had to lean over and whisper in my son's ear that she was telling everyone how amazing he was for wanting a grown up drink!

~I would let it go but if she mentions it again I wouldn't hesitate to step in and cut her off and mention how lucky you are that he eats healthy or something along those lines...she will get the hint!

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Let it go. She's just envious. Her comments won't make your son stop eating broccoli.

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Maybe pull her aside when they come for a playdate or send her an e-mail saying that your son understands her comments and repeats them and while you don't want to be rude....can she please refrain. You don't want your kiddo to stop eating them. My kids love broccoli, green beans, corn, avocado, all kinds of peppers, squash, zucchini, carrots, peapods, etc. (my kids are 2.5 and 3.5 yo) If someone started making comments and gave my little kiddos a peer pressure complex that they stopped eating them, I'd be ticked! Hey, they all have their "things" -- my son hates ground meats (like hamburgers or ground beef in sauces, etc) and my daughter gets a little testy if I try to give her some other meats....we all have our battles! Ours just isn't veggies :)

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Don't let it go, just tell her. The next time your on the phone or face to face when the kids are off running around. Simply say, "you know how kids take everything literal at this age, well, since you have mentioned it twice how WEIRD my son is for eating broccoli he is now questioning it. I would appreciate it if you would keep your comments to your self on my sons healthy eating habits".
This is just another way that us moms protect our kids.
A similar thing happened when we had a family over several years ago. I dished up my kids plates (5 and 2 at the time) with meat, veg and carbs. When I asked the other parent how much veg would their child eat, they laughed and said "yours eat broccoli". I'm thinking...well, yeah! I'm the parent, they are the children. I dictate what they eat, they don't.

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Just prep her prior to her coming over next time that you would appreciate her not commenting on your child eating habits in front of your child. and cite your example. be sweet about it. :)

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She's the weird one not you. Shame on her for not offering veggies to her kids... she might be amazed at what they eat. Just reinforce to your son that he is eating healthy foods. I don't know that I would say anything to the mom unless it continues every time you get together.

My 16 yr old daughter has always LOVED broccoli and veggies for snacks, as well as fruits.

She was asked once in preschool "what are your favorite foods" for a project that was to be hung up on the walls for open house (that was just 1 of the questions) Her answer was salmon, steak and black olives. I got grief from other moms over that comment because most of the other comments kids made were pb&j, pizza, etc.

Hang in there, you are raising a healthy boy... To this day, my daughter will choose something healthy over junk. She is a picture of good health as well...

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Perhaps this is just her way of asking you how it is that you get your son to eat his veggies. A lot of people think it is strange when children like vegetables. If I were you the next time she is there for a play date I would just mention we will be having broccoli and yogurt for a snack and mention that you know her son doesn't like broccoli and ask if there are any vegetables he likes. If she says she doesn't give him any vegetables then I would just ask nicely that she not mention the broccoli because you want your son to continue to eat it.

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All my four kids love broccoli among many other veggies, including my two year old.

Next time, I'd laugh it off, and jokingly say :"what? am I supposed to keep him away from healthy food?"

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I understand where you are coming from lol... like the others just tell the mom that you really would appreciate if she didn't make those comments and why. I get those comments all the time, my son also like brocoli and veggies and drinks nothing but water.... I just tell him he's unique, but that because he eats healthy he will grow to be strong and I also let him know that being different then others is okay and not to worry about what other people might think.

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I remember my 3 yr old loving broccoili and black olives. Yes people thought it wierd but i was happy she liked them.

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When she makes the comment that it is weird, make sure your son hears YOU talking about how weirdly AWESOME it is, and how lucky you are. It's okay if he knows not everyone likes to eat broccoli, but make sure he also knows how great broccoli is for you and how great it is that he likes it. I had two broccoli snackers too, and got the same comments, but I made sure my boys always heard me talk positively about it. They are now 6 and 9, and still love raw broccoli, carrots, and cucumber. Unfortunately they won't eat any cooked veggies but edamame, but I can't complain too much because they are still eating their healthier raw veggies!

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I have the same problem with my neices and nephew. My nephew eats broccoli everyday with his dinner and his sisters tease him. I just tell them that he will grow up healthy and strong. He'll be able to be an athlete and run races. I give him positive praises daily while his sisters are unhealthy by not even trying a vegetable. I would tell the mother that my kids will be healthy adults not like American obese children today that live on fast food. Keep up the good work! I'm still working on my neices!

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I would ask her not to make those types of comments in front of my son, and explain why, before she does it again. You have already witnessed the potential impact.

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The rule in our house is "you at least TRY one bite of what is served". This rule ALSO applies to my kids' friends. I can't tell you HOW MANY kids have come over who've never been served fruits and veggies as a snack or part of their meal. And EVERY SINGLE ONE has tried the food I serve. Most of them actually LOVE the food, and the one's who don't are not forced to eat any more of it. My son's best friend didn't like watermelon, roasted cauliflower, sauteed zucchini, veggie soup, and a whole list of other stuff, 'til he tried it at our house. He now eats everything without question when he comes over for dinner.

I think your friend is doing her child a great disservice by even indicating that "liking" veggies is "weird" for a kid. He'll grow up to be a super picky eater and won't be very healthy, either. Keep doing what you're doing and ask your friend in private to stop talking about the weirdness of veggies in front of your child (and her's, too). She's just setting him up for gastronomical failure!

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I'm jealous. I worked so hard to try to get my children to eat healthy.

You have had some great suggestions. Talk to the mom and say that your child is taking to heart what she has said. I read that children will think that whatever dad chooses to eat tastes great while mom will choose the healthy food. So I am guessing that your husband has great eating habits.

My husband doesn't and he has a big belly and colon cancer to show for it. You are definitely on the right track.

Some people have it in their minds that veggies are torture. That's the only way they have been presented to them. My sister-in-law even snatched the shredded carrots that I tried to feed her daughter and would not even let her try zucchini muffins that I made for her. I was trying to expose the little girl to something other than pure junk food. Mom had a fit. Luckily the girl turned her life around. She had to lose 90 pounds at the age of 19 to join the service. You are doing the right thing by making veggies a normal part of life.

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my youngest LOVES broccoli !!! I would say something to your friend in a light hearted joking kind of way, but ask her to please not make a big deal about it in front of your child, then let it go, if she does it again, I would cut back on the play dates that include snacks!

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don't let it go - it's tough to get kids to eat right and it is b/c of comments like that. Just tell her what happened and that you had to convince him to continue to eat broccoli and ask that she be careful about what she says. You can even laugh it off and say you know it is not what kids normally ask for but you're really proud that he like his veggies and want him to enjoy them as long as he can.

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You are the envy of that mom. I've got a kid like yours. He just turned 8. He asked for steamed mussels at the beach last year. I thought the other mom we were vacationing with was gonna have a breakdown! her kids eats pizza, chicken nuggets and fast food. That's it. I can't name 3 foods that my son WON'T eat. Enjoy it!

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I think she is weird-lol. I have known many, many kids who like broccoli, and other veggies for that matter! Since your son has noticed the comment and mimicked it, you should clearly state to that mom not to editorialize on food choices or likes/dislikes in his presence. Definitely talk to your son about how people have diverse tastes and no one is weird for what they like or don't like - it's just who they are, and people should be tolerant and not judgmental.

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I have dealt with this a lot. I'd mention something to the mom about not liking to call his food preferences weird and just say that you've raised him to enjoy healthy foods.

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If that happens again I would be very honest with your son. I would not say she is kidding, because she is not and he might get it better than you think.
Tell him that some people have different eating habits, and you and dad know what is best for him. Besides being very healthy, it is very yummy too!
Broccoli is the favorite veggie at my house, my kids love it. The other day my kids (4 and 6) were inquiring a friend on why he DID NOT eat broccoli and why he likes fast food. I told them all about the different eating habits, and that each family is different.
My kids are always asking on why they cannot eat certain things that other kids do. I am always very honest and more and more they are getting it.
As for your friend, I would say to your son in front of her that broccoli is very healthy and its not weird.

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the reason it is weird to her is because it has probably never occurred to her to offer her son broccoli as a snack. This woman would keel over at our house when the boys ask for sliced up zucchini or if they can make their own salsa. it is not weird and your son will thank you for it later

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My four year old would eat broc until he turned green. my kids are given sweets not so much only for ''special'' events. I am a vegetarian, I also have a very restricted diet, I cant have gluten/wheat from celiac d., i cant have processed sugar of any kind, i am allergic to soy...blah blah...I could go on. You get the point. be glad your baby wants to eat healthy, not to knock the friends mom but she probably fills her kid up with the packaged processed stuff. which can leave us little want for ''REAL'' food. So go on with your carrot and broc. Priase him for wanting to make healthy choices!! Give yourself a pat on the back because somewhere sometime, you mom instilled those eating morals into his brain!!

-Libby

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Just tell her. It won't be awkward - just say - "Hey..don't mention that eating brocolli is weird in front of my son again - he made a comment about that the othe day."

Good luck!
L.

Updated

Just tell her. It won't be awkward - just say - "Hey..don't mention that eating brocolli is weird in front of my son again - he made a comment about that the othe day."

Good luck!
L.

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There are a lot of responses - but NOT weird. My kids love veggie and fruit plates too! My youngest can eat his weight in carrots. I swear he'd turn orange if I didn't monitor it - LOL!
I think the mom was looking for something to talk about and didn't realize what she was saying.
Hindsight always 20/20 I would have said right then and there "It is not wierd, it is a smart and healthy choice and we know that to have healthy bodies we need good food in it." or something to that effect so son heard support for your and his choices. Again, easy after the fact.
Moving forward, I'd just explain to the mom over the phone prior to any playdate how much you enjoy both of them and the playdates, but the comments about broccoli/food habits must stop if they want to come because it is now disrupting your family and that is not ok.
Good luck!

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I'm with the other mom's on this one: my kids LOVE fruits & veggies. I believe all kids do, really, it's just that some have been learning by the example set forth by their parents to not like anything healthy. You are clearly in the right here, and it's not unusual in the least for kids to like veggies. Broccoli and lima beans are the 2 most asked for vegetables in my home by my 10 & 11 year old kids, but my rule is that you MUST try whatever I'm making. It doesn't have to be your favorite every night, but unless you physically gag on something, you will eat a normal person portion for dinner or be hungry until the next meal. My kids both know & understand this rule so they try everything. My daughter told me the other night while I had tandoori chicken under the broiler, jasmine rice & sauteed baby spinach with garlic on the stove & naan in the cast iron skillet, how much she loves that we don't eat "American food" every day. I can't tell you how happy that made me!!

Like the one mom said, I would ask your friend over the phone when you're setting your next playdate up about the snack issue. Let her know that a couple of the comments she's made, while not intending to cause any damage, have stuck with your child. Ask her what healthy options you can have ready for her son when they get there because you just don't serve chips & cookies for a regular snack in your home. I think if you let her know up front about the issue without being snotty about it & offer alternatives, there really shouldn't be any issues.

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Explain to your son that it isn't weird, that she is just trying to comment on how great of an eater he is! You should explain to her in private but in person that you love how healthy your son eats but that he also hears what she is saying and it's effecting him. Im sure if you say it nice enough she will understand, if not then maybe she's a little weird! I don't know why some parents do this. It's almost as if people make rude comments out of jealousy. I would def say something but nicely and in person. Just let her know your concerns and problems with it. This is kind of funny to me bc as a child I loved broccoli, I wanted it with every meal! To this day my grandpa still says do you still eat broccoli, you used to it tons of it. He will even tell other people about it like a waitress if I ordered broccoli! I guess for some it's unusual or "weird" to have healthy children! lol All kids are different, take pride in the fact that your kid likes his veggies and don't let anyone's influence change him!

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I say the next time you talk to her on the phone or at school, just say "hey, I know it's weird for a child to like broccoli and veggies. I get that - that isn't the norm, but in my house it is. Could you please try to not mention how weird it is in front of my son, I don't want him to think he's weird or get it in his head that he doesn't want it anymore because other's think it's weird." I bet she'll totally understand and will stop the comments. You might even add that maybe her son will be more willing to try the veggies if he sees your son eating them all up!

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improper english...but i woulda been done told her the 1st time to pipe down on comments like those in front of your child (in the nicest way possible). i think you should find the words and let her know.

my son LOVES salad. i can't make dinner without one. he'll take sliced tomatoes as a substitute. when we go out to dinner our servers and even people close to us that notice will be surprised. when people comment they usually say its awesome and not weird.

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You can tell your child that everybody is different and there's nothing wrong with him liking broccoli. When my stepdaughter was little, she really wanted artichokes and said so in the store. Someone else was amazed.

I think you should find a time away from the kids to say, "I know you don't mean it as rude, but my son is starting to pick up on the "broccoli is weird" bit and not wanting to eat his food. I realize it's unusual for a young child to like broccoli, but please don't voice that in front of my son."

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My daughter is 5 years old and she loves broccoli too!! Definitely not weird :)

Next time you can tell her that my 2 1/2 year old nephew has loved salad since he was able to eat solid foods! REALLY loves tomatoes and will eat lettuce, cucumbers, etc. My daughter won't touch these :)

And you can tell your son that this lady thinks it's "weird" because she's jealous that her son does not eat as healthy as he does.

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My daughter likes it steamed and my son likes it raw. I don't think it's weird. They also love black olives. They started out liking green pimento stuffed olives when they were toddlers, and now they prefer the black ones. My son also loves pomegranate seeds, tuna sandwiches, fish, and pumpkin seeds.
What I find weird, is how many parents don't offer REAL food and only serve something prepackaged or something with "sauce" poured all over it. My daughter will eat nothing with sauce on it. Neither of them would eat mac'n cheese even, for YEARS. (Now my 12 yr old son will eat some of it, sometimes, and prefers homemade, not the boxed variety).

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Your post made me laugh! I have a son who likes and requests spinach. I get comments about it all the time. When he asks me about it I tell him how healthy it is for his body. I think the other moms are just jealous! :)

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EASY! Just Don't wait, lol! If you like her kid, and she is good other than this; than agree to the play date and simply explain over the phone beforehand, that while you had a great time last, your son had asked about the broccoli comment (explain story) and that you would prefer not to discuss the way food tastes, but to just let the kids eat and let eat.

In our house, we never talk about how food is, good or bad, it is just food. You either eat it, or you don't, and you can try again the next time it is served.

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I think it's a fabulous opportunity to show your son that different people have different customs/tastes and to be comfortable in and with his own.

To some, it's weird to eat yak cheese or butter tea while others do so daily. Some think eating insects or animals is normal others think it's crazy or wrong. Some may think a five year old eating vegetables is weird. Others think it's normal and preferable.

Doesn't matter what they think. It matters that your son is learning healthy eating habits and learns to be unaffected by other's judgements/insecurities.

Sounds like your friend was joking, but even if she weren't, I would suggest using this as an opportunity to empower your son and let it go with your friend.

(We can't always expect others to agree with our decisions or validate our actions. Better we learn to feel confident even if someone calls us or our actions weird ;)

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what a great eater!!!!I would come off as a smartalike of course.All 3 of my kiddos don't really like meat neither do I as I age we love our yogurts,fresh fruits & veggies with a dip of some sort anytime or as our main dinner course.Ya how weird is that some think it is odd that we don't eat handfuls of meat products with our lunches or dinner I have my fridge stocked full of fresh/raw veggies/fruits they have yet to agree to like broccoli.I don't want to force something in them that they don't like nor do I like but we have to give it a try if we don't like it we can gulp it down or spit it out at least it was tried then next time try again.Mykids will argue not to give them meat but the need some protein & a filler.

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I wouldn't worry about it!!! I think she was taken aback by surprise and it came out wrong because let's face it a lot of kids don't want to eat their veggies...Good for you that you've gotten your son to eat healthy...I am doing everything I can to keep the candy away and wish my kiddos would eat the brocoli...I love brocoli by the way.

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She probably just doesn't know what to say and is making conversation. I do tend to have a bit of a self deprecating sense of humor, and she was probably doing something similar, saying that she CANT get her kids to do right but instead of giving you straight kudos, she just turns it around. That, or she is weird. :P
The first time someone says something like that in front of my son (it happens), just say "Yeah, he is different because he makes good choices all by himself while other kids have to fight and cry at the table. Isn't he smart? And he'll be getting big and strong just like his dad, who eats broccoli too!" It's just lame enough for her to get the point without having to get in her face.
Since it's already been a couple times, I'd just tell her on the phone, to tell the truth, before the next meeting. It doesn't have to be all wordy or "worked up", but I'd be calm and casual, but say something like "Hey, remember when you said eating broccoli was weird? He was worried the other day that it was weird and didn't want any until we said you were joking, so be careful what you say in front of him, ok? We really want him to maintain those good habits." If she's worth anything, she'll be mildly embarassed and laugh or apologize, but be cool with it. If she's not cool with it, then it would not be cool for her to come play anymore in my home. To me that wouldn't be any different than saying "Please don't curse in front of my son in my home, because I don't want him picking up those words".....it just stands to reason. I wouldn't be mad at her though.

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When the kids are not around, ask her to not say anything negative about something that you believe is positive.

"I know it's a bit off/odd that he likes broccoli but we prefer that over other treats, sweets, so if you could not say anything about it being weird, I'd appreciate it. I know it won't be long until he'd rather have chips or cookies but we're trying to keep him as healthy as he can for as long as we can. Thanks for understanding!"

I don't think she means your son is weird...but most kids I know my children's ages would not want broccoli or any veggie for a snack. They'd prefer (or ask for) something else like a cookie, yogurt, pudding, applesauce, fruit, etc. I'm sure's she's baffled but also jealous that your son likes it that much. I know I am. I have a super hard time getting my kids to eat a bunch of veggies, but hubby and I do not eat a ton either so I'm sure that is where they get it!

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I don't have any advice but I can totally relate. My kid asks for brussel sprouts and carrots all the time. I'd hate for her to suddenly begin to question the normalcy of eating real food!Good luck.

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You already have a ton of responses, here is my 2 cents. When my son was 3 he passed up his birthday cake for cherry tomatoes and broccoli. We do often get the wierd comments. We just ignore them. My son is 10 now and still loves his veggies. His favorite is now raw green beans! We did talk to our son about some comments, but he has never let them affect him. I would say just let it go and ignore the comments.

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