Super Happy

As anyone with little children will know, most decisions you make, that they are aware of, need to be justified.  This is because almost everything you do will be questioned. Why do I need to eat lunch Mummy? Why do I need to brush my teeth Mummy? Why do I need fingernails?

You know the drill. EVERYTHING is a question.

So it is in our house when it comes to food.  My husband started this. All food's have a role in our bodies, all foods have a purpose, and woe betide the parent who can't come up with a justification for eating things.


Some things are easy.

"What does cheese do to my body Mummy?"

"It's got calcium in it which is good for your teeth."

"Can I eat cheese Mummy instead of brushing my teeth?" Nice try.

"No."

"Why?"

"Because cheese isn't like toothpaste, it just makes your teeth and bones stronger. Anyway eating cheese at bedtime will give you bad dreams." Incredibly that sufficed.

But there are more challenging foodstuffs, things I, frankly, don't know about. That's not surprising, I tend to just eat food rather than pontificate about what part of my body is benefiting from it, certainly there's not much call for lengthy considerations when I'm hoofing down a Crunchie for example. Anyway I digress.



"Mummy, what are 'matoes good for in our bodies?" asked Eliza yesterday at supper time when I was trying to get her to eat them.

"Well, tomatoes have got something in them called lycopene and that is good for our brains."( I don't know how I know that and the chances are it's not true.)

"Why?"

"Well it makes us happy."

"Yes, it makes us Super Happy Mummy."

"Does it? Right. Well yes I suppose it does. What is Super Happy Eliza?"

"It's when you're so happy you can't stop smiling. Like this!" Cue big toothy smile.

"Really? That's good isn't it."

"Yes that's what 'matoes do Mummy."

Who needs chocolate, shoes, running, wine and Gary Barlow when you have tomatoes? Perhaps she can tell me what food is good for patience. I could do with a bit more of that most of the time.