Claire vs. Meatloaf

I hope I can do this situation justice when writing it out, it was one of those parenting moments that make you laugh and want to cry of frustration all at once...

We visit my parent's house for dinner every Sunday night. We always have dessert after dinner. Claire rarely eats much at dinner, usually just the fruit and maybe some rice (if we are having any). Once in awhile I can get her to eat some of whatever protein is a part of the meal, but usually she is a light dinner eater. I believe, though, that she is reaching an age where it is appropriate to eat a decent amount of dinner before allowing any dessert.

Now, I am not a clean-your-plate style parent. In fact, I only require Hannah to 'try' everything on her plate. Although, I reserve the right to ask her to eat a certain amount of total food before she is allowed any dessert. I feel like it is about time we ask the same of Claire.

Now with all that being said, here is what transpired last Sunday:

Claire chose not to eat anything except a few bites of fruit. I explained that we all would be having ice cream later, and that she would not have any if she didn't eat any of her meatloaf. She said she was done and left the table.

Dessert time rolled around and I got out a small bite or two of meatloaf and put it on Claire's plate. The next fifteen minutes were filled with this conversation:

Claire: I want ice cream.

Me: Ok, after you eat ONE BITE of your meatloaf.

Claire: No, I don't want meatloaf, I want ice cream.

Me: No, you need to try the meatloaf first.

At one point she even put a bite in her mouth and then spit it out...

Finally she got so frustrated she resorted to her famous screaming, which resulted in an immediate time-out. After time out, I explained to her the whole rigamaroll again, and she agreed that she would try ONE bite and then have her ice cream.

So she goes to her plate and takes a bite of meatloaf. Low and behold she finishes it and takes... {GASP}... ANOTHER BITE OF MEATLOAF!!!

John and I look at each other confused, but whatever.

She finishes the few bites on her plate and asks for more... we thought she was asking for her ice cream, but no {GASP AGAIN} she was asking for... MORE MEATLOAF!!!

At this point, John, my Dad, and I are all stifling our laughs. So confused by the scene that just took place.

It was a definite Claire vs. the meatloaf moment.

This time, I think the meatloaf won :)