in training

For the past week, my husband and I entertained our niece and received some good training in parenthood. This is the third time she has stayed with us in the past 2 years--and we always end up having the same struggle.

Have you ever met a child who turned down--without even a thought--ice cream, candy? When this girl eats one chicken nugget she is full. Eating to her is ranked right there with cleaning her room.This has been an on going issue since birth for her, but I guess since she's only with us for a week at a time we get so shocked by it all.

At every single meal we have to remind her to chew, drink, and swallow otherwise she gets caught up in whatever she is thinking about. I have learned that watching TV and eating do not go hand in hand since the TV seems to put her in a trance.

But other than that, she is the most pleasant, mild mannered 9 year old. Tiny and petite with an appetite to match.