“But, Mom, I Don’t Want Turkey…”
“What do you mean you don’t want turkey?”
Children are notorious for being picky eaters, and there’s no reason to suspect that’s going to change on Thanksgiving. While turkey is by far the most publicized dish on the menu, there is a vast array of desserts and other items that will pique their interest far more than the big bird on the table.
A child will pick their way through the main course, knowing full well there is pecan pie, cake, cupcakes and cookies waiting on the dessert table. Why would they bother with turkey when there is a whole table filled with sweet and gooey desserts?
I’m going to go ahead and say this…don’t hate me for saying so…but turkey isn’t the greatest meat around. Unless it’s done perfectly, you’re left with a giant dry hunk of meat, and that can be hard for a child to choke down. Luckily, if your child has a sudden dislike for turkey, there are some things you can do make sure they get a healthy dinner.
Find An Alternative
There are other meats out there that you can substitute for turkey if your child truly dislikes the bird (my husband was one of those kids). Cook up a ham, fried chicken, roast or other dish that can be used as a substitute for protein. This is especially good if there are several children — or adults — who would rather have an alternative.
Cover It Up
The primary complaint people have about turkey is that it’s dry. Don’t be afraid to pour a little gravy over it to help compensate for the dryness. Do I recommend slathering the meat in gravy? No. Gravy may not be the healthiest choice, but it’s flavorful. The other option would be to cut the meat into smaller pieces and mix it with stuffing or mashed potatoes. It’s all going to the same place anyway.
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
That dessert table is the biggest draw for a child in the house. Keep the dessert table out of eye shot of the little ones. This includes not only while eating, but also when getting the food. Best case scenario is the dessert table is behind closed doors. Children won’t know what they are missing if they can’t see it.
Children are fickle eaters, so don’t be surprised if little Jimmy can take down a pound of turkey any other day, but clams up fast on Thanksgiving. Be patient and try out these tips on keeping them healthy this holiday season.
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