Zoe sat at the table with her plate in front of her. Arms crossed, she stared down at the plate with disgust at the green thing tucked in between the chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese. The single sprig of broccoli was a foreign color. The green clashed with yellows and browns of the other food. It was a new thing and Zoe did not like new.
So a battle ensued between me and my 4-year-old daughter.
“Come on, Zoe! At least try the broccoli,” I pleaded.
“No! It is yucky!” grimaced the little girl.
I pleaded with her again. “But you haven’t even tasted it! At least try one little bite.”
“No!” Zoe was adamant.
We had been down this road before. This battle was one I could not win. So I got creative.
“Zoe, how old are you?” I inquired.
“Four and a half, almost five! I turn five next month!!” she boasted.
“Ahhh! I am so sorry for trying to make you eat broccoli, Zoe! I forgot you were only four years old. Everyone knows four-year-olds don’t like broccoli.”
“Really?” said the little one, now fully attentive.
“Yep! It is just a fact. Kids your age don’t like broccoli at all. BUT when you turn five, you will awaken that very morning and you will absolutely love broccoli. I promise!”
“Really Daddy? Five-year-olds like broccoli?”
“That’s right. In fact, they LOVE broccoli! It is just the way things are Zoe!”
So, every day for the next five weeks I talked about the glories of turning five: Kindergarten. Birthday cake and presents. And, of course, broccoli.
Zoe’s anticipation grew. “Daddy, I cannot wait to turn five and love broccoli!”
On the special day, there was a birthday cake and ice cream, presents, and a special dinner of chicken nuggets, macaroni and cheese, and, as promised, broccoli.
She scarfed down the broccoli sprig. “Daddy, you’re right! Five-year-olds do love broccoli!” She even asked for seconds.
About a year later I thought we would go round two and up the ante.
“Zoe, do you know six-year-olds love ALL vegetables?”
She crossed her arms and scowled. “Daddy, I’m almost six. I don’t believe that stuff anymore!”
Well, at least she still loves broccoli.
Dash Stories 