Okay, I know this doesn't qualify as something to celebrate in most homes, but we are always elated when our youngest tries a new food. Since he was a baby, Joseph has had what we call "food issues." As in, he is opposed to most food.
This is likely because of problems with his sensory integration system. He is hyper-sensitive to the smells, tastes, and textures of food. If we let him, he would live forever on the few "safe" foods he has found. We do all sorts of things to encourage him to be more adventurous with food . . . and we are not above some targeted bribery. We have recognized that, at least a quarter of the time, he likes a food once he tries it. So, we give him an incentive to try something new, usually a small toy.
The other day Dan brought home some superhero figurines which made Joseph's eyes shine in anticipation. First, he tried (for the second time ever) bread. Yes, Joseph hates bread. (He does, however, eat the crust on pepperoni pizza, which we have repeatedly explained is actually bread, but who can reason with a five-year-old?) He forced himself to eat a freshly made dinner roll. He gagged, grimaced, cried, and finally succeeded. Did he like it? Not really. But at least he tried.
The next morning, sitting at the breakfast table, he looked at the plate of bacon and said the beautiful words,"I want to try bacon." We all held our breath as he tried a bite. And then another bite, and then two whole pieces. He liked it! He says, "bacon is delicious." He wanted bacon every meal for the next two days, and I was fine with it. Because a little artery-clogging bacon is not going to hurt a kid who subsists mainly on grapes, bananas, apples. strawberries, yogurt, sunflower seeds, and an occasional piece of pizza or chicken nugget!
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