My Daughter's 3rd Birthday: The Day Her Smile Changed My Values
When my daughter was born, I was very careful about what she ate.
I was told that "gut bacteria are determined by what a child eats before the age of three," and I wanted to avoid feeding her anything unnecessary as much as possible. That was the mindset I had while preparing her meals every day.
I paid close attention to seasonings and snacks, and it was normal for me to bring a packed lunch for my daughter whenever we went out.
I just couldn't compromise on meals.
I just couldn't compromise on meals.
Once she started attending nursery school, I began to hear things like this from my daughter:
"My friend was eating that!"
"I want to eat that too!"
But back then, I just couldn't compromise on her meals.That was because I was filled with a desire to protect my daughter's health and a feeling that I had to do my best as a mother.
The milestone I had set for myself.
I had one thing I had decided for myself.
The milestone I had set for myself.
I had one thing I had decided for myself.
"When she turns three, I will let her world expand little by little."
And then, my daughter's third birthday arrived.
We went to the Anpanman Museum to celebrate.
Actually, this was the first day we went out without bringing a packed lunch for her.
An unforgettable smile.
For lunch, what was brought to my daughter was a cute Currypanman curry 🍛
At that moment, my daughter's eyes sparkled, and she showed me a wonderful smile, saying,
"Wow! It's Currypanman!"
"So cute!"
When I saw that, I was struck by a realization.Seeing her like that, I was taken aback.
Meals aren't just about nutrition.
The joy of saying "It's delicious!" and smiling, or spending a fun time together as a family.
I was reminded once again that those moments also have immense value.
The important thing she reminded me of.
I originally believed that meals were not just about getting nutrition, but that
there was also value in the time spent as a family laughing and saying, "This is delicious."
However, back then, I think I might have lost sight of that important aspect because I was trying too hard to ensure everything was "additive-free."
My daughter's smile reminded me of the kind of dining table I truly wanted to cherish.
Of course, even now, I am careful about our meals within reasonable limits.
But I have come to realize that I want to value
"the whole family being able to gather around the table with smiles"
just as much as whether or not there are additives.
That day is my starting point today
Now, I also cherish the "time leading up to eating" by cooking with my children and enjoying home gardening and harvest experiences.
When I trace back to that starting point, I arrive at that beaming smile my daughter showed me on her 3rd birthday.☺️
That day, my daughter taught me that "how we feel when we eat" is just as important as "what we eat."
That is why, even now, while being careful about our meals within reasonable limits, I value the time when the whole family can laugh together and say, "This is delicious" above all else.🌿
📖 Click here for related articles
"Meals are not just about getting nutrition; there is also value in the time spent as a family laughing together."
This is an article I wrote about those thoughts of mine. I would be happy if you could read it as well.☺️