[jaxie]

I should probably start by saying we aren't vegetarian though the slaughter and eating of animals does bother me, I can't give up the bacon. Having said that I have never had any problems getting my kids to eat vegetables, including broccoli which we've always called little trees which I think helped it appeal more in a magical sort of way.

At birthday parties we always had the little cakes and all the other stuff people have like sausage rolls etc but I always put out a platter of chopped raw veggies a little dip and you know what the kids always ate it, not only my own kids. I remember my mother in law being amazed at one party that there were cakes on the table and the carrot sticks were going like hot cakes.

I remember my sister in law sucking chocolate buttons to soften and putting them on her daughter's mouth when she was one. I didn't give chocolate until they asked and would give them raisons when young. Interestingly my son still doesn't have a sweet tooth and can take or leave chocolate.

I don't really believe this adage that kids won't eat green or other vegetables. I think bad eating habits are given to kids by people like my sister in law. If the veg is available but they aren't forced to eat it then I've found most kids will happily eat it. If they don't like something don't force it, try something else. I think one of the problems with children and veg is being forced to eat badly cooked veg. There is a huge difference between cabbage with the life boiled out of it and cabbage tossed in a little olive oil, salt and pepper, and a few tablespoons of water until soft. But saying they won't eat it is a myth.

With regard to the little girl crying for meat this is probably more about wanting to be like everyone else than the actual meat. She is being singled out as different at mealtimes and that can be uncomfortable for a child.