Random Nicky

There is nothing more annoying or nauseating than the sound of a preschooler smacking his food.  So, during all our meals, we ask Nicky to chew with his mouth shut, and we properly model the behavior.

Last night's dinner went something like this:

Nicky - noshing on pasta con broccoli...homemade of course...and by that I mean a Kraft individual microwave pasta thing with frozen broccoli added - hey, i made it at home!

Momma - enjoying a lovely crunchy salad...picked up from the grocery store salad bar on the way home.

(Dinner's always quick and easy when it's just the two of us.)

After eating for only a few minutes...

Momma:  Nicky, would you please chew with your mouth shut?  Look how Momma chews.

Nicky:  wike dis momma?

Momma:  Yes.  Good job!  Thank you!

A little bit of time goes by...

Momma: Nicky, please chew with your mouth shut.

Nicky: oookaaay momma.

Momma: Good job. Thank you, now keep doing it.

Another few minutes go by...

Momma:  NICKY.  PLEASE.  STOP.  SMACKING.  YOUR.  FOOD.  I do not want to hear you eat - please chew with your mouth shut!  (obviously this part was said through gritted teeth and with a slight inkling of agitation.)

Nicky:  Not a word.  Just a blank stare.  Began chewing with mouth closed.

We continued to eat in silence for about a minute...

Nicky:  (said while Momma was chewing the aformentioned crunchy salad) - i no want to hear you chew either Momma.

Touché my son.