This morning, my son made a very specific breakfast request: “jelly pancakes.” I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, but I gave it a go—pancakes with a generous swirl of jam—and to my surprise, they were a massive hit. He devoured them with the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for birthday cake. Meanwhile, the rest of his plate—plain buttered fettuccine, sausage, and a modest helping of vegetables—sat untouched, requiring all my best coaxing. It’s always a bit of a circus at mealtime, but that’s parenting for you. Feeding time at the zoo is rarely dull, and today was no exception.
I’ve learned to pick my battles when it comes to food. If jelly pancakes are what it takes to get him to the table, then so be it. The fettuccine was my attempt at something neutral, the sausage a protein boost, and the veggies—well, we try. I’ve become a master negotiator, offering bites in exchange for stories, turning broccoli into tiny trees that need rescuing. Some days it works, some days it doesn’t. But today, jelly pancakes were the clear winner, and I’m not above celebrating small victories.
Watching him eat with such joy reminded me that food is more than fuel—it’s comfort, creativity, and connection. He giggled with every bite, jam smudged across his cheeks, and I couldn’t help but laugh too. It wasn’t the breakfast I planned, but it was the one we needed. Sometimes, the best moments come from letting go of expectations and leaning into the chaos. Jelly pancakes might not be gourmet, but they were made with love—and that counts for something.
Of course, the internet has opinions. I shared a photo of his plate—canned veggies and all—and braced for the usual commentary. But to my surprise, most responses were kind, encouraging, even understanding. It reminded me that we’re all just doing our best, one meal at a time. Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, improvising, and finding joy in the mess. And if someone wants to judge me over a sausage, well, I hope they find something better to do with their day.
I’m grateful for the people who lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. It’s easy to criticize from a distance, harder to offer grace. But grace is what we need—especially in the trenches of parenthood. So thank you to those who see the humor, the effort, the love behind the jelly pancakes. You make this journey a little lighter, a little sweeter. And honestly, that’s what we all need more of.
So here’s to jelly pancakes, to sticky fingers and stubborn vegetables, to the chaos and the cuddles. Feeding a child isn’t always pretty, but it’s always real. And in this house, we celebrate the wins—no matter how small, no matter how sugary. Because at the end of the day, love is what fills the plate.
