Cathy - may I please add another 2 cents here?

If you menu is now including more fried foods - take a look at the double deep fryers. A friend of mine bought one - she can do fish and seafoods on one side and other foods on the other side. Also - as the baskets go down into the oil, the top comes down - no splatters! Check them out and see if you would like something like that.

I sure will Mama I was actually thinking of a double basket one, and if the lid goes down WELL I'd love it then!!! I hate slattering grease going everywhere.

I actually got home the other afternoon to learn they had fried Vienna Sausage for one of the kids when I asked my step-daughter about it she explained it was a "Spanish thing", I explained the kid does not need the added fat, and I would hope common sence and education over rides some ignorant ethnic background habits of frying foods that are already loaded with tons of fat! Boy that really makes no sence to me at all, and the little one is already over-weight and had an eating disorder, she obsesses over food and eating, she is greedy and before she even finishes her meal is already begging for seconds, she had man sized portions loaded onto her plate and I just see her being way over-weight and unhealthy by age 16. She is 8 now! So I see it as a no-brainer not to fry her darned Vienna sausages! CRIPE :rolleyes: By the way they were fried in oil, not pan-seared in a non-stick pan!

Oh Cathy you got yout hands full!

A child like that is so used to the taste of fatty foods its going to be hard!

Start on the fruits and veggies! Start baking, roasting, skillet frying - anything but that for her. She'll adjust. I've had children like that to contend with - food was the only thing they lived for. Time for some activities - walking and learning about nature - and starting a "nature" diary about the weather, trees, etc. will help some.

I put my foot down - eating only at the kitchen table -and no munching on anything other than fruits or veggies in front of the TV. Occasional popcorn was ok. If their hands are busy with other things - they can't feed themselves as much.

You are right, busy hands will keep one happily preoccupied with something else! And fruits are great, they do not even get offered veggies, except at my insistence!