Let me tell you — toddlers are something else. I’ve currently got a 2-year-old who is slowly but surely learning about the world around her. She’s recently figured out that she has the right to say no and is really acting as an independent lady. It’s a trait I admire. But… also fear.
Even though we don’t want to silence our kids, or make them feel like their opinions don’t matter, we also need to make sure they eat a healthy diet and practice manners. It might be okay for her to skip a bath on a day when she didn’t necessarily get dirty, but multiple refusals just won’t work. Thus, parents often have to deal with tantrums, fights, and high decibel screaming. It’s all part of the journey.
When it comes to picky eating, some parents online found a brand new method that seems to work. But, it’s pretty traumatizing. Especially since Toy Story 4 was literally just released last week.
Parents have been punching stuffed animals as a way to get their children to follow dietary orders. It may seem harmless, but it’s meant to show that stuffed animals who don’t follow the rules deal with physical punishment. And many parents are taking it way too far.
The first video I saw regarding the stuffed animal punching happened on Facebook.
While many parents found it funny, a good amount also found it disturbing. It may have worked, but it worked mostly based on fear.
So I’d heard about it but I finally saw the video of the dad punching the stuffed animal to make his kid eat and it honestly made me want to vomit. If you think that behavior is okay plz u follow me because that’s fucking horrid.
— J 🌻🌵 (@BrownEyedMama_) June 22, 2019
This uncle uploaded a similar version on Twitter. In it, Mickey gets quite the beating.
In fact, even when you’re expecting it, it still sends shivers down your spine. He really went all out, and the look on his nephew’s face is almost alarming.
Nobody wants to see their heroes get hurt. And for kids, Mickey Mouse is very much a hero.
Still, he stands by his video. He says that no matter what, his nephew is loved.
But this tactic may make him, and other children, feel like physical violence is okay when you don’t get what you want. That’s what’s so scary about it.
The good news is that a lot of people chimed in, telling him that there are better options than showcasing violence. So, perhaps this method won’t be adopted by every parent.
Yeah emotional abuse is so funny.
— Montana Dawn (@MontanaDawn2) June 21, 2019
There are definitely ways to inspire your child to try new foods using stuffed animals, and they don’t even need to be beaten.
Even if you feel in your heart that the first approach was wrong, you may be tempted to try it if you’re going through a period of a child not eating.
First, take a deep breath. This is a very normal stage for toddlers.
It may be a sign of taking charge, but it also may be due to an illness. So, make sure to see if the refusal also comes with a runny nose or a fever. If that’s the case, a doctor’s appointment is your best bet.
Family Doctor believes that offering a child some choices may also help them eat. They also report that sometimes, a child needs to be exposed to a particular food between 10 and 15 times before choosing to eat it.
In general, parenthood comes with a lot of funny moments. And sometimes, we may feel the need to throw a stuffed animal against a wall or punch a pillow in frustration.
But we also have to remember that we set an example for children. The last thing we want is to send the wrong message.
I’m not sure where tht punching a doll or stuffed animal to intimidate & scare your child into doing something came from but y’all, we do not need it. It’s abuse.
— I appreciate you. (@DeeLaSheeArt) June 20, 2019
Remember, it’s okay if your toddler skips a meal on occasion. Unless they’re missing milestones or rapidly losing weight, these food aversions and refusals are usually normal.
Your family doctor will know for sure whether or not other measures need to be taken around mealtime. For now, just know that it won’t always be this hard. Kids change and find new favorite foods they love all the time.
