We aren't vegetarian but we don't eat red meat (mammals) so we do need to make sure our children eat a healthy diet to gain the minerals, especially iron... that some people say they might be "missing out" on. Fortunately we have no problem getting them all to eat lots of dark green vegies (that contain iron)... I have a 2yo, 5yo and a 13yo. They are great, non fussy eaters. Basically I think they eat well because Dh and I set good examples. We aren't fussy either. It seems to me that often when kids are fussy (not always) that their parents are too. We all LOVE nothing better than a big bowl of steamed vegies with seasoning and a dob of real butter.... yuuuuummo! My kids' favourite vegie is brocoli, no kidding! One thing I did do when i introduced new vegies with them was to include the new vegie in a "known and popular sauce". For instance... if I knew that a particular child loooooves satay sauce I would serve the new vegie in that. Broccoli is great for absorbing sauces. My youngest loved soy sauce... so the first time I introduced steamed bok choy was in a honey soy sauce and he ate every bit!

That's just a basic idea of what we do. Texture is very important too. Kids love crunch. Don't over cook. Stir fries are a good way to introduce new vegies too.... and make sure the pieces are nice and small. Nothing can be more daunting to a small child than facing a huge chunk or pile of something new... keep the first serving as small as possible.

One more thing. I don't praise for eating. It sets a bad precedent... just my thoughts... and it sets the stage for using food as a power struggle later on. Just enjoy your own meal...and express it in words your children will understand. Make sure you remind your DH to be positive about the new vegie. There is new research to suggest that the father's eating habits have the greater influence on children. Given that there are many men who are big babies about their vegies it's no wonder kids pick up on this