"In general, my children refused to eat anything that hadn't danced on TV."

Kids can be fussy, right? Sometimes they seem to have the most peculiar aversions—like, say, not wanting to eat anything unless it's been promoted on TV. What we're talking about here is the influence of advertising and media on children's preferences. Think about it: kids see something flashy and fun on TV, some colorful character dancing around with a burger or cereal, and suddenly it's the only thing they want to eat. They get hooked on the glitz and the glamour, and real food just doesn't have the same allure.

Historically, this idea isn't new. Advertisers have targeted kids for decades, knowing that if they can create a desire in a child, that child will pester their parents into making a purchase. It's a powerful tactic that plays on the natural impressionability of children. Parents from the 1950s can probably tell you stories about how their kids would whine for sugar-coated cereals just because they saw a cartoon character gobbling it up on a Saturday morning commercial.

Let's dive into a real-life example. Picture this: It's the late 1980s. Saturday mornings are a big deal because of the cartoons, and every kid is glued to the TV. Amid the cartoons, there are these captivating ads for a new breakfast cereal called 'Magic Marshmallows.' The cereal is nothing more than sugary bits and marshmallows, but the ads show an animated leprechaun prancing around in a magical forest, promising fun and adventure with every bite. Kids are sold. They nag their parents endlessly, and every grocery store visit becomes a battleground until the cereal box lands in the cart.

So, how can you apply this little nugget of wisdom in your life? First, be aware of the impact of media on your kids. If you want them to have a balanced diet, you'll need to get a bit creative. You might not have a TV studio at your disposal, but you can make healthy food more appealing. Think about ways to make fruits and vegetables fun—maybe you turn snack time into a colorful plate with a variety of options, or you involve your kids in the cooking process. When they feel like they're part of the magic, they're more likely to enjoy the result.

Let me share a story. Imagine you have a five-year-old who just won't touch anything green. You've tried everything—steamed, raw, with dips—it just doesn't work. One day, you decide to change your approach. You remember how much your kid loves dinosaurs. So, you tell them the broccoli on their plate is actually tiny trees, and the chicken is a giant T-Rex. You create an entire narrative around the meal, with the veggies being part of the dinosaur's forest. Suddenly, it's not just food; it's an adventure. Your kid gets excited and begins to eat, caught up in the story.

In essence, if you understand what makes your kids tick, you can guide their choices. It's about blending their world of imagination with real-life needs. Sure, advertisers have their tactics, but so can you. Make healthy food as enticing as those dancing TV snacks, and you might just win the battle.