On Easter, my sister and her 3 five year old kids are coming. They all want to watch movies, but her Mom is really strict on what they can watch. They can't watch stuff like The Little Mermaid, or Beauty and the Beast, because my sister doesn't want her kids watching make believe stuff, and get the idea that it's true. I need a good, true story movie, with no violence, anger, bad language or sexual stuff.
Also, I need to know what to feed them, they're really picky, and don't like very many healthy foods, but the Mom wants them to eat healthy foods. The only one's that they will eat are way to expensive for me to pay for.
How about not even making watching TV an option and all the kids play outside, relate to one another and in general, make memories together?
WOW! My suggestion would be to give her the "ball" and let her bring the movie. As far as food, it is kinda rude (not kinda but I think plain rude) to make special diet requests if someone else is doing the hosting. I would ask her to bring her own food too. I have a great friend who's son has severe dairy allergies and she never makes a fuss but always brings his food so it is prepared properly and the way she wants it done. Hope this helps.
Ok, my answer is not helpful, but a bit snarky. Old Yeller? Are you mom's crazy? He SHOOTS a rabid dog that was his pet! I'm 44 and still can't stand to watch it. And Chitty Chitty Bang Bang? Cars cannot fly, it is also make believe. And watching Babe right before you serve a ham at the table? That's not going to go over well with the kiddos. It's too bad the kids can't watch a funny and entertaining cartoon such as Megamind.
Good luck Jessie!
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say -- they are GUESTS in YOUR home... I know you want to give consideration to your sister and her kids preferences, but do you really have to do everything she wants? Would she be so accommodating if this were reversed?
I'd let her bring the "approved" video collection and serve what you want while they are there.
Tell you sister what you are fixing to eat and what your children are going to watch on tv. This way, she can decide to stay home or bring her own stuff.
Blessings.......
Different people have different ideas of what healthy food is. Make sure you understand what she considers healthy food to be before you put a lot of time and energy into the food.
Is she into whole foods, organic, grain free, fat free, high fat/healthy fats, dairy free, grass fed and pastured meats, the possibilities are endless.
A few things that most healthy foodies agree on are no white sugar, white bread, limit fried items, limit processed items. Maybe your sister would like to swing by the grocery store or farmers market when she arrives in town ( if she's from out of town) and buy some things her kids will eat.
If you shop at Costco you could pick up a bag of frozen organic fruit and use it to make smoothies you could use water, dairy, or juice as a base depending on preferences from your sister. Sweeten with some honey. Most people and kids won't turn down an organic fruit smoothie. Not everyone considers meatballs to be a healthy option, but if you make them yourself maybe your sister will be okay with that. Ham and beans cooked in a crockpot could be an option unless she doesn't like pork or fat.
I would just talk with her a lot beforehand, offer to drive her to the store, and ask if she has any interest in helping cook a meal or two while she's visiting.
What about the Disney Earth movie that was out a year or two ago?
As far as food, fix what you want to fix. Tell your sister what you're serving and say something like, "I'll be making xyz for dinner. I thought you'd want to know in advance in case your kids don't like it, so you can bring something for them." The burden is on them, not you. I have a son with severe food anxiety (still being treated) who will only eat a handful of things and I take full responsibility for bringing something he can eat. It's not your job to jump through hoops with the food issue.
Considering your 5 year old has been "barfing" for 3 days straight (or is that 4 by now) and your 10 year old is having bullying issues which have rendered her mute, don't you think you may want to pass on the visit from your high maintenance sister?....I smell a troll (For those wondering what I am talking about check out some of "jessica's other posts)
I would say, "here's what I'm serving. I'm letting you know so you can bring alternative food or snacks if your kids won't eat that" or something along those lines, then the ball is in her court. As far as movies go, I'd do the same and tell her, "here's what I have to offer, if you don't find these appropriate then you may want to bring some of your own".
A ham or turkey are not too bad. Tell their mom to bring her own food for them if she is going to nitpick what you are making. She can bring some movies too!
Why don't you ask your sister to bring a movie and some food? Wow, at three kids understand that a movie pretend. I mean, cars don't really talk and animals don't really talk, etc. Maybe you can find a documentary about animals?? Meerkat manor or something? I understand that some movies are scary ... the witch in the little mermaid and the beast in beauty and the beast, but something like Cars? Maybe your sister might have some good ideas for movies and snacks and food? spaghetti sauce and pasta noodles and salad with apples, strawberries, etc?? Fruit salad and deviled eggs? Baked chicken marinated in italian dressing (no corn syrup brand).
First of all, can't they do something other than sit in front of a tv. Holidays are a time for family to spend together.
How about having your sister bring over a movie that she feels is appropriate?
Just put out a variety of healthy foods that you can afford.
Appetizers - deviled eggs, carrot sticks, cheese and whole grain crackers, grapes. Dinner - ham, potatoes, pasta, If you offer a large variety, I'm sure they'll find something to eat.
what about some good old fashioned musicals? My little guy is 3 and he will sit through just about anything if it has music...Singin in the Rain, I am not sure if she would approve of Oliver! ( But I adore it) Annie, Chitty Chitty Bang bang, Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat...lots of luck, I do think I would take other posters suggestions and tell mom to bring her own approved movies if she is so picky = )
Well, I could be your sister!! So to see your efforts in this department, I must say that you are a true gem for caring as you obviously do.
Some movies I only minimally fast-forward through are Firehouse Dog, Babe, and Sound of Music. We haven't watched these yet, but I plan to screen them as "potentials" for our kids this summer: Milo and Otis, Old Yeller, Lassie, Where The Red Fern Grows, The Black Stallion, and Little Women.
As for foods, do they like cheese? You can find some great goat milk cheeses and, spread on Nut Thins pecan crackers with a sprinkle of honey, such a snack can go a long way (big bang for your $$) and be very kid-friendly too. Other ideas: Fritos (simple ingredients) dipped in mashed-avocado, Almonds, Baby carrots, Sweet potato chips, Apple slices, Dark chocolate (60% cocoa or so doesn't have as much sugar and it's a great anti-oxidant) - gently heated & sprinkled over organic strawberries for extra kid love! There are also pouches of freeze-dried fruits (Brothers-All-Natrual Crisps) you can find relatively inexpensively at Costco, as well as Cashew Crunch (well, a different brand with different ingredients at Costco, but you can find Mrs. May's at health food stores). And what about popcorn? It might be a fun activity (and healthier too) to actually pop popcorn the old-fashioned way!
If you are serving a meal, then the more simple, the better for kids IMHO. How about some ground turkey burger patties with salt, pepper, and rosemary? Served with sweet potatoes (can find frozen julienned or cubed to warm & fry or just bake whole sweet potatoes) it's a fave meal around here. Other items on our menu include buffalo/bison hot dogs (kinda pricey, but as a stand-alone entree & fake buns (aka slices of Nature's Own Honey Wheat bread) it's not that bad), homemade enchiladas (made with ground beef, chicken, or turkey; can use tortillas (corn or flour) from Taco Cabana - cheap by the doz. & they really make a difference!), Kashi frozen pizzas (less than $5 ea), homemade chili (paleo-style is cheap & easy: saute 1/2 red onion (cut large slices so easy to fish out for picky kids), add 1-2 lb ground beef, buffalo, or turkey; after meat is browned, add a large can of crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes along with about 3-4 T chili powder; simmer 20 min. (or simmer longer for more flavor) & yum!).
Regardless, definitely check with your sister before you finalize meal plans to ensure you don't waste any money, time, and effort on something that she might not want for her kids. I'm sure she will appreciate your thoughtfulness and, again, I offer mucho kudos for your kindness to your family!!
HTH!
I bought Veggies Tales The Night Before Easter for my girls.
http://www.amazon.com/Night-Before-Easter-Melinda-Doolitt...
Maybe babe the pig. Its make believe, but not a fairy tail with magic. Otherwise Milo and Ottis. Also, you can ask your sister to bring movies from her "approved" collection.
Love to help you with food ideas, but you would need to be more specific.
You got some great movie ideas - I also thought of Sound of Music and Old Yeller. Or you could give her the to-do to bring movies - that's a great idea too!
For food, I would say whatever you are fixing for the group and/or tailoring for your kids should certainly be good enough for her kids. Have plenty of fruit that they can eat if they don't like the other stuff. Or if she lets their pickiness dictate, she can bring them food.
I would suggest going to the library and seeing what videos they have. We used to get animated biographies.
I would just cook what you normally do and let them decide to eat it or not.
I also bought the veggie tales "twas the night before easter". They ARE veggies (unrealistic) , BUT I think it is christian based, so it always has a great lesson like don't be selfish, be patient, ect. and sometimes it can be pretty funny to the parents too. Oh and the Bambi platinum just came out, very realistic, just bought it for my little one.unsure about the foods maybe google some healthy kid snacks? For sure buy some "cuties". really small oranges that you can peel with your hand, get at wal-mart, target, or sam's. Kids LOVE them and you can get a bag full for around 3-4 dollars. good luck
Happy feet. It is not fantasy. It has a great message about the earth? Can't you just explain to the kids it is make believe? Does she have a list of "approved movies"? They obviously watch movies if the want to do it at your house.
I think you should get her to bring the food is they are that picky.
I love the idea of old musicals or "classic Disney" movies with haley mills or something like chitty-chitty bang-bang, the shaggy DA, etc.
My kids are also really into old lassie and rin tin-tin episodes my mom bought them a few years ago.
Good luck! Great advice here already:)
Princess Diaries and the sequel should work! I agree that you can ask her to bring movies too. Ask her to bring the special food for her kids and that you will take care of the rest of the food for her and your family. Best wishes and God bless!
my 3 and 5yr old love "real movies" with real people like 'the fox and the child,' old yeller, my friend flicka ... they sit in awe ...
Wow....hmmm......
Old Yeller? Parent Trap? Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
With regard to the food, you should ask your sister what she wants you to have in the house. Maybe once she gets there you can run to the store together.
Food ideas:
String cheese
Organic Yogurt
Lots of fruits and veggies with dip
Granola bars
Lots of kashi go lean foods are healthy and yummy - more expensive, yes, but it sounds as if you may not have much of a choice for this visit.
Good luck! I will add more if I can think of anything!
The Rookie is a good movie.. About a 35 year old guy as a rookie in Major League Babseball. The movie was filmed in Arlington at the Ballpark in Arlington. Great story!
Choose your menu and they don't have to eat.
Happy Easter!
