My theory is if they eat something thats not junk its all good. So I have frozen options at all times. I tell them what we're having for dinner and if they don't like it I'll be sure to have backups in the freezer and they get to pick what they have. Kids love simple food and stuff thats easy to chew. Steak is something Paris absolutley HATES so we don't have it for the kids, if we have steak they have something from the freezer. The faves in this house are shepherds pie (to which I hide every vegetable possible thanks to my Tupperware chopping gadget ), spag bog (same deal with the veg), veggie risotto (same deal with the veg). And other things that I know they like (like slow cooked meals). I know your kids LOVE pumpkin soup so maybe have a few portions of that frozen for nights when you know they aren't going to like what you make. The take & toss containers are brilliant for portion sizes, and you can reheat them in the microwave straight from the freezer.

And whenever I serve vegies I try to include a sauce of some kind, I didn't always do this but since the veggie hate started I have. And it definitely works. I HATE tomato sauce, but we'll often have gravy, white sauce, mushroom sauce or other things that help the inconsumables seem more pleasant. Definitely don't make it a battle. My parents used to do this with me, and it was awful. I remember being served cold hard meat & cold brussel sprouts for breakfast and gagging over it as I had to eat it till it was gone, and if that meant for breakfast or lunch so be it. Yet there were plenty of other meals that were good for me that I loved so why fight over it? Sooooo silly IMO! And I think it can also lead to eating problems later in life. I have friends who are part of the clean plate club as a result of this sort of parenting and they hate that they can't leave stuff on their plates (as does their waistlines ) So long as its a nutritious alternative anything is better in reality. And if you can remember to do extra when making their favourite meals it won't be a hassle either

And can I just say... one night without tea is not going to scar them for life so please don't feel too bad, you are an awesome mother Sam, really truly