Making meals for a three year old is tricky. Let me rephrase that. 'Making meals for my three year old is tricky'. There is not a whole lot of stuff that she really likes, or is even willing to try but I like to encourage her to try atleast one bite. This evening was a typical Friday throw something together last minute type of meal. For myself I thawed some left over Shephards pie out of the freezer, for Becca, we scoured the fridge together comprimising on what she could have. She wanted pita bread, agreed. 'Now pick a vegetable' I tell her.
'This will be my vegetable' She says, picking out a mixed berry yogurt.
We playfully argued back and forth, then agreed upon a carrot. Peeled, whole and uncooked. Works for me.
'I want olives!!!' She says excitedly. 'I love olives!'

At the table we had a discussion about foods we like and dislike, and olives happen to be one of my top 10 dislikes. 'Why don't you like olives?' she asks with such curiousity.
'I don't like how they taste.' I say. It was then that she poked a tiny little olive onto the tip of her fork, and held it out for me to taste.
'You have to try it mommy. I need to see that you don't like it.'
Sure I could have protested against it, and politely turned down her offer but what example would I have taught my little girl watching and waiting to see if I would live up to the one bite rule. Without any hesitation, I took the olive into my mouth and experienced the bitter salty flavour that hadn't changed since the last time I tried it. Nevertheless, I managed to get it down.