I got to enjoy a nice week with Crash Aunt’s family this last week which included a bunch of fun events and experiences that hopefully our kids will remember for years to come.  One of these events that may be remembered for less than positive reasons was Family Fear Factor Food Edition.

In defense of myself I didn’t make my kids participate, but the two oldest decided they wanted to play with their cousins so we were happy to let them.

The first round involved eating a lemon or lime with the exception of the rind.  As you can see from the picture, my oldest didn’t enjoy this round so much, but her brother didn’t seem to mind.  The second round was a bit more interesting as it involved shrimp chips that were similar in texture to a Cheetos Puff.  The youngest had actually been eating these chips for most of the night, while I thought they were absolutely disgusting.

It took a few tears and encouragement, but the oldest was able to get them down eventually.  Her little brother didn’t seem to mind them at all, but then I saw a face that was all too familiar.  He was starting to gag and I had to act fast if his cousins didn’t want vomit all over them.  I ran around the table and pulled him off the bench just as the projectiles started to exit his mouth.  He ended up getting some on his sleeves but it could have been much worse.

Part of me wanted to laugh along with the rest of the aunts and uncles and cousins, but I couldn’t help but feel bad for the kid.  It was amazing just how much came out of such a little guy.  Don’t feel too bad for him because 20 minute later he was pounding ice cream and running around with his cousins.

The oldest went one more round eating a prune but that was where she stopped.  I went on to eat the tomato sauce, jalapenos, mushroom, and even a nasty sardine.  I didn’t win however as I was unwilling to eat pig’s feet no matter what the reward.

In hindsight, it was incredibly entertaining to watch them both struggle through, and I am very proud of them for doing something that was scary to them.  Sometimes it just takes a little “mean” parenting to get them to push their limits.