To a certain extent, I make something different for my youngest. He is extremely picky and has been since he was an infant. He is gradually improving, and will at least try new foods. He’ll eat any sort of bread/cheese combo, like pizza, mac and cheese, grilled cheese, cheese and crackers. He eats several kinds of fruit, but no veggies. He likes things like pancakes and waffles, scrambled eggs, banana or zucchini bread. The only meat he will eat is chicken, but it has to be plain roasted dark meat or chicken nuggets. Recently he decided he likes red sauce on his pasta, which is great because I make it myself and “hide” carrots and green peppers in it. :)
Typically, our dinners consist of a main dish, vegetable, and fresh fruit. Sometimes we’ll also have rice or mashed potatoes (two more things the youngest will eat). If the main dish is something other than chicken, I’ll make the youngest grilled cheese or something else quick and easy. He’ll have that with some fresh fruit and yogurt. It’s not that big of a deal, and I find it simpler than having a battle of wills at mealtimes. My other two kids like almost everything else, so they don’t resent the youngest getting something different. They think he’s kind of crazy.
I remember, as a kid, having to sit at the table and choke down things I could not stand, like lima beans or chicken livers. I don’t want to be forced to eat food I don’t like, and I don’t think kids should either. We all have different tastes to some extent, and as long as I know that the majority of what my kids eat is good for them and they get a balanced enough variety, I’m happy.
@Cruiser My two older kids love meatloaf so much, you’d think I’d thrown together a gourmet meal when we have it!