The Annoying Toddler
Posted in: Ask Roni Q&A | 68 Comments
Hi Ronnie
I love all of what you do, but I cannot watch your videos any longer.. your son is adorable however…. can you get a babysitter… way too distracting and somewhat annoying –I’m sorry to say this…I so wish you could do your videos ALONE… thanks for understanding.. Best of luck to you.
Patty,
I’m sorry to say, then stop watching. My blogs are an extension of my life and my son is my inspiration. They aren’t produced pieces of work, they aren’t scripted they are me sharing myself, my ideas and my life to those that want to listen.
The fact that you would even write this comment leads me to believe that you really don’t get what it is that I’m trying to do. Which is to show people that it is possible to be busy, have a family, a job, other responsibilities and still make fun healthy meals at home. If you remove the family (aka my son) then what’s the point?
I’m sorry you find him (then consequently me) annoying. Please don’t bother to tell me, simply stop watching.
Thanks for wishing me luck, but I really do not understand.
-Roni
Things you might find useful...
- Click here to get an image of the latest recipe by email!
- Want a printer firendly version of this recipe? Just print! You'll be surprised! I promise! :)
- Fan GreenLiteBites on Facebook
- Follow me on Twitter, @RoniNoone
- Follow my active food journal on my other Twitter account, @RonisFood
Food ideas you may enjoy... |
Digg it | It's del.icio.us | Stumble This | 68 Comments » © 2007-2010 by Roni
I can’t believe someone would write that. You’re doing an awesome thing for those who are struggling with their weight. I thank you so much Roni for your inspirational recipes, videos and way of life. Your little boy is actually the highlight of your videos other than the food. lol
I am LIVID this person wrote this to you. You make cooking healthy food so interesting (and tasty), your son is part of the process!!!!!!!
I’m on the Toddler Bandwagon all the way! (And I don’t have kids!)
Go Roni, I was offended myself at that comment and it’s not even my kid. I loved what you wrote back and I couldnt agree more. You were very gracious in your words and well spoken given how hurtful the comment must have been for you. For the record, I think you son is adorable and I’ve so enjoyed the videos with him in it. :) They have accomplished exactly what you intended – showing you can do healthy family meals even with a little one helping! :) Actually, after I saw one of your posts with your son chopping away, I started having my son do the same and it has brought me so much joy to have him in the kitchen with me “helping” along with making him so proud. I wouldve never thought to do that without seeing you video. My son chops up fruit for our fruit salad and I have to smile when I see the uneven and chuncky pieces in the bowl – so “imperfect” yet so wonderful at the same time! :) Thanks for your awesome blog. You are a great mom and roll model to us all. :) You go girl. :)
OMG – I can’t believe how incredibly ignorant that person is. Shame on them!!
out of line! how freaking rude, I Can’t even believe someone had the GALL To write this to you – it’s your damn site – you do what you please, screw her and the horse she rode in on. plus he is so adorable!!!
Roni – gosh i’m so sorry…
I read your reply on line and please forgive me – I’m very sorry – after I sent the message I said to myself – wow that was so rude… I wish I hadn’t sent it cause I’ve just recently been on your site and love it… I’m not a mother – never having had children puts me in a different situation. Again, I’m not making excuses for my rude email – not necessary for me to have done/said those things. I will continue to read your blogs and your website is truly inspiring to me and many many others. I apologize for the inappropriate email… call me “hormonally challenged” at best today.
My best to you and I will continue to read your blog. I admire you greatly for what you’ve done and I cannot express how sorry I am for that statement.
Patty
Sounds like Patty needs a life. I found her to be rude an ignorant. I love watching your segments. My daughter is only 10 months old, but I watch you sharing in your healthy lifestyle with your son, and I realize that it is possible to do the same with my daughter.
Patty, go away. You don’t get it, and you probably never will. I’m sure there are plenty of other blogs for you to read that you will find much more enjoyable.
Crystal
Wowza, Roni… I just wanted to say, I think you responded very gracefully. Kudos to you for keeping your cool.
THE nerve!!
Roni I love your videos with the toddler. He helps amuse my kiddos while I watch LOL.
I had a feeling that Patty is not a mother as she just recently stated. The fact is, until you are a mom, you just don’t “get kids” LOL.
Anyways, keep doing what you’re doing. I love to check your blog and sites!
Roni, I agree you responded appropriately. It’s your blog–you do what you want. Can’t please everyone.
I also think it was brave of Patty to come here and post an apology. I think she is obviously sorry.
Hi Roni-
As my 4 kids would say …”WHATEV”!!! I just want to reiterate what everyone else above had to say! I love your site and look forward to reading …. in fact, over the weekend I indulged in a beer or 2 too many- it was WAY hot in Spokane and by Sunday I was feeling really bloated and a wee bit sorry for myself….. BUT after reading your blog when I came in about how you could have gone down the misery path you went the other way I felt much better. Keep up the great work. I will have to watch one of your videos sometime! And take a vid of my own kids – they are animals! :}
two words: holy crapballs.
three words: people kill me.
Wow. I am taken aback. But some people don’t see what they are writing as they are writing it. I have to tell you, Roni (she misspelled your name…does she really read the blog?) I don’t get to watch many of your videos…my CHILDREN don’t like to let me sit at the computer for very long. But one of the main reasons I got hooked on your site was BECAUSE you had a family, and a young child. My children are my BIGGEST reasons for doing this and i love that you incorporate him into this portion of your life…especially when he is at such a malleable age. Imagine all the good effects this is having on him! I bet he will be one healthy adult all due to YOU starting him off right!
Anyway, THANK YOU, for making, well all of it, the community, the food, the preparation…thanks for making it all kid friendly, because that is what my life needs to be, KID FRIENDLY.
Keep it up cause I’ll be coming back!
I thought maybe this was the title of a recipe :)
I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I love that you put your life out there, with no editing. It’s real, which is the way it should be.
-Holly
Hi Roni,
Your response to that comment was graciously & eloquently put. So, my hat’s off to you many times over! I’m not sure I would have been that calm…LOL!
I’m a mom of one & a WW lifetimer since 2003 & love finding fresh new ideas on balancing healthy cooking, using REAL food for me & my family.
I’ve just discovered this gem of a blog about 1 month ago & I am so inspired by your accomplishments. I look forward to see your progress & creativity.
Thank you for your dedication to good health.
Salud!
Bobbie.
Just, wow. I don’t have children either.. but I would never think of writing something like that to you. I’d agree with what you said in your response – that she doesn’t understand the purpose of your blogs (making healthy decisions in the midst of all the craziness of everyday life).
Keep doing what you’re doing, I love it! You’re the main source of my inspiration!
Everyone – Thanks for making me feel better! :~)
Patty,
I appreciate your reply SO MUCH! I’m sorry, when I first read your comment, I have to admit, I was a little upset and I felt compelled to post a response because I knew it would make me feel better to get it off my chest. If I didn’t I’d internalize it that’s not good.
I’ve been “hormonally challenged” many a day so I know where you are coming from.
Thanks again for replying to my reply. :)
-Roni
You’re a much better person that I am, Roni. :-)
Any good toddler understands that being a toddler demands not just cuteness but occasional bouts of annoyingness! It’s part of his job as he figures himself out.
Now, I think your son’s enthusiasm really adds to your videos and that your ability to balance both him AND what you’re doing makes you so refreshingly sweet and real–but if it will encourage world peace, I’d be more than happy to babysit!
I’m just a giver that way. :) (j/k)
I agree with the person who said “Holy Crapballs!”
Just kill me.
Roni and Patty,
Shame on Patty for sending that e-mail to begin with. However, it sounds as if Roni and Patty have resolved the issue. I am proud of them both.
Roni – Keep up the good work and enjoy your new career change! I admire you for taking a leap of faith.
Jewely
I’m sure I would have been offended, too, if I’d received that e-mail, but I have to admit that I admire Patty for coming back and apologizing. She could have just taken off, or come back with anger, but I think it took guts for her to come back and post her reply.
Love what you do, Roni and the annoying toddler! My annoying toddler and I will keep watching!
I am patiently waiting for the day that I have grandchildren and I can have them in the kitchen with me.
I loved it when my kids were small and we all worked together in the kitchen. Were they trying at times? Of course. But I wouldn’t give up the memories for the world. My oldest son would come up with the strangest food combinations and now he is a chef.
So until I have grandbabies, I will watch you and the cutest todler!
Keep it up! You are an inspiration to many many people. Thank you
Hey Roni,
I want to say what you are doing for you and your son (and trying to do for your husband’s) health is wonderful. I am a mom of a 5 year old son and 2.5 year old daughter. I, too, am trying to revamp our eating and teach all of us healthy lifestyle choices. Your web site has helped me do just that (and lose 15 pounds in the process). Thank you for inspiring so many of us to be beter.
Erin
BRAVA, RONI!
Roni…
I really like the toddler and thinks it’s very cool that he is included! :)
Thanks,
Karen
I know that this post has been commented to death already, but I wanted to add my two cents. I dont have kids either, in fact I dont really adore children that much. I think your videos really opened my eyes on the way that things could be when I do decide to have children. Like you said, this is real life, and in reality you cant have a child sit there and be quiet, OR hire a babysitter for the few minutes it takes to get this done. You really inspire me because I would like my children to love new foods and eat veggies and participate in the kitchen. My husband does none of that so the least I could do is involve the little ones! Thanks for your great effort on the whole site. It keeps me going.
Roni…. I am a voyeur of your blog… not active in posting, just enjoying your labor of love.
I am delighted to read that you have “arrived”. I remember my first pc of “fan mail” that was not what I expected. I too attempted to handle it with the same grace as you did but inside I was a bit devastated because I thought everyone was on the same page as I was. LOL and still am. When you do what you do, as in put yourself out there, you welcome all opinions. You do an amazing job and it will be interesting to see where your blog leads you. When we engage in things we believe in and are passionate about, hmmm amazing things happen.
Enjoy the ride, add my kuddos to your “plus” column and thank you for you and your toddlers contributions to my kitchen. I think that what you do and the way you do it would be a great addition to the Food Network Channel.
We can say, we knew her first!
Lyn
Love the Baby hate the TV in the
background sometimes but what the heck.
I’m still going to come back for more Ryan,Roni and
Green Lite Bites.LOL
PS
Give Ryan a smooch for me.
At least she apologized but um, sometimes it’s good to reread an email to a stranger like 5 times before hitting send. Sometimes I watch your videos a few times, once to see the toddler and then again to watch you (sorry but he’s great on set). I don’t have kids yet but LOVE that you include him in the kitchen and hope to be able to do the same one day. I think you dealt with the situation very well.
My Toddler loves your Toddler! Whenever my Toddler is giving me a hard time, I play your videos and he forgets he was ever mad. I think they would be great friends :)
Kudos to you for handing the situation with grace, and kudos to Patty for coming to apologize. It would have been easier to go hide under a rock, which is probably exactly what she would have preferred!
Lets hope that “Patty” never has any children.
I am 67 years old and still have “kid” grandkids in my kitchen working with me making new creations they are 18 years old. Now they bring their own ideas and recipes.
its all about FAMILY.
My daughters & sons are great cooks I still have visions of the youngest standing on a chair rolling out sugar cookie dough and cutting them out at the age of 3-4 her siblings were all in school just her and I. I would no way trade those memories for all the $$$ in the world.
you go girl keep up your good web site.
karen
MOMMY POWER!!!
I just want to let you know that you and your son are wonderful! I love to read your blog, watch your videos, and I truly think you’re an inspiration. Keep up the wonderful work!
PS….I was always taught that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all. Now I don’t completely agree with that, but I do believe that you should never be rude to someone you don’t even know. Especially their children! I have 2 kids and if someone had said that about either of them……well, I won’t be rude.
It hurt my heart to read Patty’s message. Maybe it’s a ‘mom thing’ but I enjoy seeing another parent ‘parent’ their child. I also miss my daughter being a toddler- so I get to enjoy that part of the videos! I applaud you Roni for your response and also to Patty for apologizing. Everyone has said something they wish they could take back and that is what she did. I know that I haven’t always had the courage to do that. Everyone in Weight Watchen world- make it a great day!
Hi again Roni – one final comment – i promise 8~D
Oh my – Yes as some suggested, I could have/maybe should have hid under a rock yesterday and today and gone away forever (especially after reading comments above – well deserved i might add – but that isn’t me.
i am grateful for those who commented fairly that I at least stepped up to the plate and acknoweldged my mistake (big one) Thank you……
That darn’d send button is just too easy to push sometimes – no excuse – lesson learned -next time think first and then hit send.
Now to more imporant things – your blog – hope you’re having a great day Roni and all who love you.
Patty
This person, whoever it is, did this for one reason. To draw attention to themselves. And it worked. We should all rally behind Ronnie for what she’s done. I wouldn’t be surprised if this person has nothing better to do with their life but find fault in others, although there IS no fault in this.
My work started a Biggest Loser club with meetings and recipe exchanges and exercise talk. Our 1st 12 weeks showed weight loss for alot of us. I’m still struggling to get “my head on straight” and get back to weight loss. In the meantime Ronni, keep up the good work. I’ve even used some of your blogs for our meetings and everyone there said KUDO’s for what you’ve accompolished and kept off.
I continue to read your blog daily (and in some cases twice a day) and the subsequent posts. I know someday soon I will be back on track. Our next 12 week committment starts tomorrow and I hope to be the next Biggest Loser.
Keep up the good work. We appreciate you!
Chris
Wow….I agree with everyone else. Love you and love the toddler. Thanks for everything you do here.
I cannot believe the audacity of this person. I think your son is adorable AND I love when he interacts with you. You letting us into your world is amazing!
Good Grief!
I was like, is this for real??
Roni, my hat’s off to you, you are way more gracious than I would have been. I’m long done with the Mommy thing, until maybe one day I am a Grammy. (Seeing as my son is 18, that better be quite a while!)
I think it so rocks that Ryan loves veggies, cooking with him will ensure he doesn’t end up the uber-picky kiddo I have.
You go girl!
Ok, first off, your son is adorable and hilarious and I totally enjoy watching the two of you interact. Yes, it may take you longer to explain the recipes, but I find myself chuckling because OH MY GOSH have I been there before! And, I also find myself a little in awe of you for attempting to make all of these things and include him–which is really special. Do you realize what a great husband/boyfriend you are molding at all, Roni? Someday a lucky girl will want to thank you, I’m sure!
I can’t believe this commenter said all of that. If you don’t like watching her juggle her kid and cook, then go read a blog on Food and Wine or HGTV or something and let the rest of us who are actually learning some things from Roni continue to do so!
Your son is sooo cute! I’m 20 (no kids, not for a long time), so I actually learn a lot about how to be a good parent while watching your videos. It’s awesome to see a woman being successful in a field she enjoys all while raising a toddler! :)
Also, how can you not love the tagline “Hi, this is Roni…And I’m Ryan!”? The videos just wouldn’t be the same without him! :)
Oh, and one more thing: I think the US has kind of lost touch with how to raise kids with proper eating habits (obesity, eating disorders, etc.), so it eases my mind to know there are people out there like you who are raising their kids to eat right!
Roni,
You, and Ryan are wonderful. Don’t change anything….we love everything you do! Well, we also like new things, so change if you want to :)
Patty–It takes a very big person to apologize…twice. I commend you!
Bonnie
Well. I’m glad Patty came around to see the light for your sake Roni. My own kids are young adults now…your toddler banter always makes me smile as I remember my own as toddlers. They start growing up and we forget their innocence and curiosity as a wee one! You just keep doing what you do, one day, the toddler won’t want you to film him like this and these videos will be a treasure! They already are priceless…both you and Ryan always bring a smile to my face! Here’s a cyber hug for you, Ryan and the husband for understanding your need to do this and allowing you to share your lives with us! It’s done more good than you will ever know! Thank you! {{{Roni and Family!}}}
Wow, that was sure an “it’s all about me” comment! I have children too, and appreciate seeing some “real world cooking”. People with children have to learn to function in a life of constant interruption. It’s nice to see someone multitask as well as you do in your videos. Please keep up the fantastic work, and keep those recipes coming.
Let’s give Patty a break okay?!?! She has apologized (twice) and admitted her mistake. I think that tells a lot about her as a person. How many times have we (all of us) said something that we know shouldn’t have come out of our mouths? I know I have!
Roni – I think you are great!
I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT COMMENT!!!! Im about to cry right now Im so pissed! I can’t believe someone would say that! How selfish and inconsiderate! I love your boy!
I cannot watch the videos due to my bad connection, but when you mention that a recipe is “Toddler approved”, I get excited. My daughter will be 2 on Monday, and it is nice to know that you design your recipes for the picky toddler and husband! That is exactly our house too. When I mention a recipe is one of Roni’s, he is all for it. (Some from the WW website have sent him for takeout instead) I love the comments about you son. I thought my daughter was too young to help, but I’ve included her and we’ve had the best time. Who cares about cleanup!! Keep on doing what you are doing, there are plenty of fans! She can watch the boring cooking channel!
I seriously can not believe that – OBVIOUSLY that woman is not a mother – and does not like kids.
You and your son are a great team – keep up the great work! :)
First, HUGE kudos to Patty for stepping up, realizing her comment was hurtful, and apologizing. Seriously, it takes a very big person to own what they have done and realize it wasn’t a good idea, then go back and say you’re sorry.
Secondly, I was wondering if I could send you my teenager and my german shepherd to add to the videos to make it even more hectic? :)
Oh, and a cat that I can’t keep off the counter. Yeah.
Wow, life, eh? Great job, Roni! We’re glad to have you!
I love how this can be a lesson for us all in not judging people. I think that Patty sounds like a very nice person, and gauging from her initial comment probably direct. I think she was trying to share her opinion in as kind a way as possible. I agree (as does she now) that is was probably not necessary to share. I have had to put my foot in my mouth so many times and I want to be forgiven for that and to move on. Don’t we all? Don’t read this comment as me in aggreement with Patty and her opinion of the toddler- I have three kids and probably would have found this comment hurtful if I were Roni as well. It is easy to be offended, but I love how this all worked out! When people communicate intellectually and respectfully there are good outcomes. I think our world is too quicky to get angry and too quick to point fingers- sometimes (I am definitely guilty) the finger should be pointing back at us.
PS I just watched some of the watermelon one (no sound because my husband is asleep right by me) and I definitely find and entertainment value in watching just for the toddler alone- he is funny. I especially liked how he went to take a huge bite across the table into your watermelon and you had to stop him. And how every scoop he tried to take ended up flying past him onto the floor. Anyway I also wanted to tell you, that you are very patient with him and a very good mother to have him help you, when we all know at that age it is easier to work alone. I really struggle with letting my kids help me sometimes when I am in a hurry and want somthing done really fast or just so, which is most of the time. I feel I am fairly patient, but know I can improve there as well, so thanks for the reminders as I watch you. Hey also- thanks for the guilt trip I go on afterward :) tee hee :)
I can’t believe that someone could write such a comment. I love your videos. I really think that it is neat that you involve him in the process. Keep up the awesome work.
YOU GO GIRL!! Way to set things straight Roni! Keep that toddler cookin’! The nerve of some people!
Toddler?!? Silly me I always thought he was the co-host :)
Keep up the good work Roni :)
Your answer was right on the spot! You’re great!!!
I can’t believe this one, but then again… it happened to me. For 22 years I ran a full time travel agency out of my home, while raising 9 children. During certain hours, inevitabely, the kids were home, though well taught not to interrupt- and if it was hectic, I would turn on my answering machine and screen the calls. If I had to pick up to an anxious client or urgent case, my clients were gratefull they had me during those “off” hours. One client- only one- requested that if I speak to her husband, I shoudn’t have kids in the background (they didn’t interrupt- they were just “there”, as they will always be- I hope!!!), as it’s not “professional”. My answer to her, was yours. I politely told her that I was very professional, and if it disturbed her, they should find another agent. They did. (I wonder if it would really bother her husband, or was it HER problem) It wasn’t as if she didn’t have kids of her own.
The person that wrote to you doesn’t sound like she does, and if she does, I pity them…
The only thing that bothers me about your toddler is, that you never mention him, or your husband, by name. DOES your toddler have a name?? ;-)
Maybe I am sensitive, but though I have 9 kids, I have only one David, one Ora, one Avraham, etc…..
Keep up the good work!
Roni, I do not have kids, I am not hugely fond of kids but I think it is great that you include your son. Not only are you teaching him good eating habits but you are involving him in such a major part of your life and now your career. I will continue to watch you videos with you son in it.
Very rude, I think that its great you include your family, they are a part of who you are. And your son is adorable and adds to the realness.
This doesn’t add much to the discussion, but I just wanted to say that I showed my husband the My Mango! video yesterday and agreed that all cooking shows should have a toddler assistant. Our little one LOVES watching your little one.
Wow- you handled yourself really well. I love your blog, you have really helped me stay on track with my post baby diet. Thank you for all that you do.
Good for you for pointing that person out and making them look stupid. That was just a silly and rude thing for them to write. I hope you were not too hurt by it – people are dumb and often times very selfish!
Keep it up!
I’m glad Patty took time to apologize. But that doesn’t excuse her rude behavior. I hope she gets her hormone levels checked…I think she needs it!
I love the videos with the toddler, and I’m not even actually a big fan of kids. I love that he always has his own part. While reading tonight, I had two very random ideas.
I think it would be really cute for you to include your husband as well in a video. It may not be possible, but I thought it might be a neat idea. You’re already building such great memories for Ryan; it would be neat to involve dad too.
Also, I love seeing your before and after pictures. They’re so amazing. I thought a neat thing for you to do especcially after your surgery would be to have some professional pictures made to celebrate your transformation.
Wow that is a low blow. Commenting on someone’s kids? Give me a break.
Thank you for answering so eloquently! Now keep doing what you do!
What a B!!! Sad to say, but oh so true! Just don’t ever have kids Patti – you will never be as good a mom as Roni! I have two, one eight and one two – every moment is precious & you will have these videos to look back on because it al goes by so fast! I love how you got back with her! Go girl!
WOW..i thought this thread was going to be about a picky eater, i was intrigued to see if there was any ideas about getting them to eat properly.
I NEVER thought it would be the kind of question/remark that it was. How could someone be so heartless to say that Roni’s child is “annoying” I agree with Roni…JUST DONT WATCH!
what a Jerk!