Geez, first a day full of stress, some mistakes, and loads of work… Then rushing home, giving D. the car keys for an important appointment, starting cooking- veggies and tofu with basmati rice… So far, so usual, but then:
Yes, then: As soon as I put the plates on the table I heard J’s voice, first quite normal: “Vegetable? I don’t like vegetables!” – Although he’s drinking them in smoothies for a few days now 
When I reminded him of the new two- bite- rule we established with a serious handshake on sunday (handshakes seal promises for good with J ^^), his face went scarlett, white, purple, white and back again (he looked like a christmas candy cane), his voice grew louder, more urgent, demanding and finally he lost his manners (no further explanations needed, I gues ^^)…
I sent him upstairs, in a calm and loving way, to cool down, but instead of calming down he went over the top, throwing a tantrum and not stopping it. Cars, pillows, books and other toys flew through the air- (I guess we’re going to have a change of weather- toys are flying low ;-P) – meanwhile KittyKat and myself enjoyed a delicious meal, while J seemed to need to learn it the hard way…
Finally we worked it out after a few ‘up the stairs- tantrum- cooling down- down the stairs- going over the edge again- tantrum- up the stairs- etc…’
At least he tried two bites, just to reaffirm: “Mom, I do not like veggies, they are boring, do not look good and taste like nothing. But I tried, do I get a sweet now?” (add a mischievious, boyish grin here)
Now I really had a hard time keeping my pokerface straight and told him no, because I do not want him to connect veggies with sweets and off course I do not want to reward tantrums with sweets.
Whatsoever, what totally threw him offbalance was me telling him: “J, I love you.” J looked at me incredulously and started to cry, tears streaked down his face and he sobbed into my shoulder: “You really MUST love me.”
And yes, I DO love him- and his little, cheeky sister too- they are just irresistable!
Cheers
Ava’
P.S.: I just hope it will get better! By the way, while J lamented on the meal, KittyKat just loved it So much for it did not look and taste good
P.P.S.: J even managed to tidy up his tantrum mess without me telling him to… Sometimes miracle DO happen!!!
first I gotta congratulate you on your writing. I could really see it, especially J. :’-)
and keep your head up about J. he’ll get them. I don’t understand how he resisted your delicious cooking for that long anywa
and the funny thing is, he always claims that I cook the most delicious meals
except when I cook vegetables, I guess ^^