We've done a few things that have helped greatly with our boys, who are both extraordinarily stubborn as well (especially DS6):
- What about bringing him to the library to pick his own books and then telling him he's limited to 10?
- When we go somewhere that we know DS6 will resist and we're flexible enough, we tell him that he has to stay for at least 30 minutes and then he can decide if he wants to leave. He's not even allowed to talk to us about leaving until 30 minutes are up.
- Sometimes, what they're looking for is control over their own environment. What about giving him a choice of a new museum or a new playground to visit?
- DS6 will usually need advance warning and a warm up period. What about telling him a few days in advance that you'll be going and talking about some of the things you'll see there? Maybe even find some pictures of the place and read up on it?
- What about promising his favourite activity when you get home? We tell DS6 that if he's really good while we're out, we'll play Lego with him when we get home. We even sometimes promise to pick up a small souvenir at the museum or science centre or whatever.
As for food, here are some ideas:
- Establish a rule that they have to try at least one bite of all new foods. That's it. We don't even suggest a second bite.
- If they are enthusiastic and have a real bite or two, they can have a few M&Ms or a bowl of ice cream or whatever for dessert. DS6 now loves avocado as a result of this trick!
- These smart kids will often respond really well to the explanation as to why it's so important that they eat lots of different foods - all the vitamins and minerals our bodies need, and all that.
- Books about picky eaters - Tales for Very Picky Eaters, The Picky Little Witch, Green Eggs and Ham, I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato, and How Martha Saved her Parents From Green Beans are some of our favourites. Of course, then you have to plant the books...
Wow, listing all of that and having used other techniques again, it really makes me realize how much work it has been at times!
