The train chugged majestically into the station, and I hurriedly got into C12. The coach was almost empty, and this changed my irritable mood which magically appears whenever the railways automated ticketing system allots a coach far end from the engine. As I was settling down with a book, my travel companion, in the hope that I can have six full hours of undisturbed reading time, I saw a young mother literally hopping onto the moving train. Tagging behind her were two little children aged around 8 and 3, coughing and whining with a heavy chest cold. I pushed my face mask on again as a precaution. The mother was in a state of confusion…settling her crying kids, stashing her luggage, and waving at the person on the station who had come to see off….She had a difficult time.
My interest slowly shifted from my book to watching her. The kids immediately on sitting, started plaguing her for snacks while she was busy reporting her ordeal to someone over the phone. The nagging power won over and she quickly opened a huge bag of eatables. The kids dipped their little hands and out came packs of corn puffs and chips. The happy kids settled down eating away heartily while the mother renewed her conversation. I continued my reading.
Soon there was a wail…..’ we are hungry’ said the kids in unison. The snacks with tea/coffee served on the train kept them busy. The mother dissolved the creamer in water and gave it to them as milk. Her tryst with her mobile continued and so did the constant munching of ‘junk” by the kids and their bad bouts of coughing. Soon the dinner was served. The mother had opted for non-Vegetarian and was coaxing the kids to eat the chicken curry. The kids refused dinner, cried, and soon fell asleep. The mother settled down for dinner happy with the peace and quiet that finally surrounded her.
Feeling sad and helpless at whatever I had witnessed I began to wonder …why such a situation? Why the mother was not able to deal with kids firmly? Why introduce the kids at such a tender age to eating so much of junk? Why did the mother not have a wee bit of control? Why the irritable behaviour in the kids? Will all the oil and sugar in the junk does not aggravate their chest cold and Phlegm? Does the child require to eat the chicken whose history of preparation is unknown? Does parenting not include the “right eating” and healthy growth? Questions galore I got down at Chennai with a heavy heart.
Presenting here is a Sunday brunch for my prince and princess ….the right portion size of beetroot poories , creamy curd rice, and fruit & nut Kesari. A wholesome meal with all five food groups that is essential for their growth and development.
Kids Meal Combo Recipes:
- Beetroot Poori Recipe Here
- Curd Rice Recipe Here
- Mango Kesari Recipe Here
