Getting the Kids to Try Something New

I have four children, so I cook a lot. My children are at different ages and have naturally different tastes. Since a grown up can only stand so many kid friendly meals, we have a policy in our house. Everybody has to try one bite of any new food dish that I make. If they don't like it, then they can help themselves to something else in the fridge; ham and cheese sandwiches, chicken strips, PB&J...whatever they can make themselves or with little fuss. The first question my kids ask when they come home from school and smell bratwurst and sauerkraut cooking is, "what's in the fridge!" Which sounds better to my ears than, "Oh no, I'd rather starve to death than eat that!"

This has created a bit of controversy with other adults in our world. A lot of people think that the kids should eat whatever I decide to cook, that they should be made to clean their plates. I disagree however, the clean plate awards of the past and the strict admonition to eat whatever we put in front of our children has led; in part, to this nation's obesity problem. I fully understand my grandparent's fear of being hungry after living through the depression. And in no way condone wasting food. But I just can't stand to fight with my kids over simple nourishment.

This simple tactic keeps fights over food to a minimum. And it's fun to watch them take that first bite and immediately without fail go, "Ewww, this is gross!" as they walk away. Usually though, they turn around before they swallow and say..."Hey, this is good, I want this on my plate!" This also allows them to feel in control of their own body and nourishment and encourages them to make healthy choices.

There is one drawback, however. My kids rarely want to order off the children's menu at any restaurant. Without fail they want the good stuff; crab legs, lobster, steak, shrimp scampi, fresh grilled fish.....