Few are willing to say, for instance, “I have prepared oatmeal for your breakfast. It is a good, nutritious food and I want you to eat it. Maybe other mornings we will have something you like better.” Many are saying, “What do you want for breakfast? You don’t want the oatmeal I have prepared; would you like something else?” This sounds very nice and enlightened, but what is really happening? The child is learning that he is the decision maker. The parent only suggests the options.
