Is it Fair for Teacher To Criticize 9-Month-Old Eating Habits?

When my baby’s teacher told me to set up an appointment for parent teacher’s conference, I said “word!?”  She responded that it’s something that’s done a few times a year.  “What could we possibly talk about?”  I thought to myself.

I met with her this week and was surprised.  She whipped out a big packet with all of my little one’s information which they keep on file until she moves up to the toddler stage.  This packet had everything regarding her development.  It confirmed that she scoots pretty well, she’s beginning to crawl, she grabs onto things with a nice tight grip, plays well with others, and has great hand/eye coordination, just to name a few.  It was great to know that she’s adjusting well.  But, that great feeling kinda hit a snag when she told me that her eating habits need improvement.  Apparently, Princess needs to be introduced to more solids with texture. But, I couldn’t help wondering, is it fair for teacher to criticize a 9-month-old eating habits? Shouldn’t be up to the parents?

I went on to tell the teacher that I make it a point to introduce more textured foods at home.  She’s only in daycare for about 5 to 6 hours a day.  I usually grab breast milk from the refrigerator, and also pureed fruits and/or veggies that I make fresh everyday.  That’s really all she needs during the time she’s there.

I introduce crackers, and other foods like mashed potatoes and banana when I’m home with her in the morning, and on weekends.  My hubby also chips in with healthy treats later in the day.  But, this teacher made it seem like my baby girl is never introduced to textured foods.  I know you may be thinking, “so what?” “what’s the point?”  The point is that I felt a bit sensitive because this lady made it seem like I was depriving my child.  I was totally even keel throughout the entire meeting, she had no idea how I felt inside.

I began to analyze everything (like I always do).  I asked myself, “Is my baby behind because of me?”  “Will she get left back and not move to the toddler group?”  My mind was going a mile a minute, while I maintained a poker face in front of this young lady.  She then said that I should buy puffs.  I asked, “what’s that?”  She later showed me a container that had what looked like Cheerios.  I looked at the  label and saw that it had absolutely no nutritional value other than sugar, and I then mentioned that I would like to avoid giving her empty calories.  In the end, I was able to meet her half way.  I had my hubby pick up the puffs the next day and told him to get the organic kind.  It has iron, vitamin D, calcium, B vitamins, potassium, and half the sugar of other brands.  I understand that puffs are designed to get babies used to self feeding, but it’s important for them to get some nutrition too.

In the end, I did realize that I shouldn’t be so sensitive and have an open mind.  Sometimes people are just trying to help.  My little girl is learning lessons everyday and so am I.  I am so happy that my Princess is happy and thriving, and has a great daycare to go to everyday.  I guess the parent teacher conference isn’t such a bad idea.  It’s great to know how your child is doing.

I know a lot of mamas and papas that can relate to what I went through.  I would love to hear about your thoughts and experiences.

Weather Anchor Mama