Everyday after tennis the kids are given "a snack". Capri Sun and Fruit Snacks. If you are me all you see is Liquid Sugar and Chewy Sugar. No nutrition value whatsoever. Absolutely drives me up the wall. I have very specific philosophies on raising kids to be healthy eaters. One of my guiding rules is to never make a big deal out of food. We never say we don't like something or that something is 'good' or 'bad'. We simply don't offer . . . crappy foods. There I said it. So when it is out of my control, like it is at tennis, I just let it go . . . and then complain to the next ten adults I see. I poke the stupid straw through the glorified sugar water pack and I open the purple, gummy cavity invitations. I bite my tongue because I know that if I make a food forbidden I am in fact placing it on the most desired list. The only time I cracked is when Ky said he needed to go pick up his "snack" after tennis. A cold chill comes over me. "For the record, Ky, Capri Sun and FruitChews are NOT a snack. They are a treat. A 'snack' is a healthy combination of a carb and a protein. Now go get your TREAT."
Fast forward a couple weeks. "I am not going to get juice today after tennis." A proud mommy moment comes over me, but I am not going to let on. "Why not, buddy?". "It just takes too long. I don't want juice. Will you just pack me some water to drink after tennis?". I refrain from throwing myself on my knees and thanking jesus - and I am not religious, so that is a big deal. "Sure, Ky. I think that is a great idea. I always feel like water is the most refreshing drink after exercising." We go to tennis and I wonder what will happen when it is time for the TREAT. "No juice today" Ky says after he grabs satan's candy in the form of a fruit chew. The candy passer-outer stops and says "really?" and looks at me. I just smile smugly and shrug.
We get in the car and I hand Ky his ice-cold water. He drinks it and a couple minutes later say, "You were right mommy, water is more refreshing!". Uh huh. Do a little dance for mommy. I smile and says, "that is because mommies are always right."
"You know who else is always right?" Ky asks.
"Who?"
"The Customer."
