Eww... I hate meatloaf

"Mom, what's for dinner... ewww! I hate that. I want something else!"

Sound familiar? Does it seem that you have become a short order cook? Your kids want one thing while you and your spouse want something completely different. Here are some helpful hints when it comes to harmony at the dinner table.

• Have your child list his or her favorite meals. Include two of these in your weekly meal plan. If there's something your kid absolutely loves that you absolutely hate, it's okay to make something different for you and your spouse.
  
• Include your kid's in meal preparation even if it's something as simple as setting the table. Involving your kids helps them feel in control. If they are choosing to eat what's put in front of them, rather than being forced, it's going to be a smoother road for everyone.
• If it's on a stick or you can dip it, it's a hit! Veggies on a stick? Veggies on a stick with ranch dressing? What a hit!
  
• Be sure to space out snacks and drinks so your kids come to the table hungry. Try not to give snacks more than 2 hours before dinner.
• Set realistic expectations. If your child tries a few bites of everything, recognize the effort. While I'm not an advocate of deserts every night or a "clean plate club," a small incentive at the end won't hurt.
• Try these fun ideas with your kids to get them involved.

1. Pizza (have your kids make their own pizza, either a large crust or individual English Muffins).
2. Baked Potato night. Have several condiments and toppings available.
3. Pasta night. Make a few different sauces, meatballs, different shredded cheeses, etc. Your kids decide what to top their pasta with.
4. Taco bar
5. sliders (mini burgers) with a choice of toppings and condiments
6. Sloppy Joes or shredded beef sandwiches (put a beef roast in a slow cooker all day with 1/4 cup marinade. Remove the roast and shred with a fork. Return it to the slow cooker with another 1/4 cup marinade and let it sit for about 20-30 minutes. Meanwhile, slice some baby reds and an onion, season with salt and pepper and saute until golden). Combine it all to serve as hash or serve the beef on Kaiser rolls. My kids loved this last night!
7. Salad wraps
8. Breakfast for dinner (backwards day)

Try shredding some zucchini or carrots into the spaghetti sauces, hamburger mixtures or pizza. Do it when they're not looking and see if they notice! Serving yogurt, applesauce, carrots or cottage cheese as a side will keep the meal nutritious.