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I have worked in childcare for over 12 years, throughout those years, I have worked with many different children of many different ages. When it comes to meal time, I have picked up a few ways to make those meal time battles a bit easier.... On EVERY BODY!

If your baby 5 months and up is cutting teeth, give them a frozen green bean, lol. Yes I said Green bean. My little guy loves them, always has. I used to give him one while I was getting his supper ready, and he'd chew on it and enjoy himself while I prepared supper. He's 26 months old now and it still works like a charm. It's healthy for them and it won't ruin their appetite.

Our local grocery store gives out free cookies to the smaller children, to give mom's a bit of a break while shopping,lol. But my little guy takes one or two bites and will hold onto it until we get to the frozen vegetable section. I always buy a bag of frozen green beans. As soon as he sees them go into the cart he passes me the cookie and asks for a bean! I don't know too many kids who will pass up a cookie for a green bean, haha!
Are you having a hard time getting your toddler to eat yogurt? (my son went through a faze where he wouldn't eat it.) Try putting some in one of their cups of milk through out the day. Just like a milk shake. My son will sit for 15 minutes sippin' on it, lol. And I can get the dishes done!

Do you have a hard time getting your 3-10 year old to try new foods? Have you ever let them make a choice or lend a hand in dinner prep?
In my experience if you let them "help", they will be proud of their creation in the end. They'll be so excited to eat it, you couldn't stop them if you wanted to. Hahaha ! Let them pour ingredients in the bowl or pot, stir a few times,"read" the recipe to you. My nephew was helping me cut veggies and sprinkle spices by 2 1/2years old. Even if you just give them a few carrots, and a plastic butter knife. It will make all the difference in the world. It may take a little longer to prepare dinner than you'd like, but what's better, having the prep taking a little longer, and spending some quality time with your little one(s)or spending half an hour after supper is done, still trying to get them to eat it?

If you'd like to expand the variety of veggies your kids will eat, include them in the choices. If you have them in the grocery store with you, let each one choose a new veggie to try. (this will also cut down the amount of "Can I haves" you'll hear too, because they'll be talking to each other about who's veggie is the best and what they'd like to eat it with. Trust me !
*Agree that everyone must try everyone's choice through out the course of the week. *NO EXCEPTIONS* Add one vegetable to dinner each night! They'll be so excited to show off their veggie of choice, they won't even realize they're eating them, hahaha!

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