We have food rules in our house. You must try 3 bites of something new before you can say you don't like it. The alternative is a PBJ that you make on your own and no dessert. Very rarely do they make a PBJ. We don't ask them to eat their food. We've set a precedent of what is expected and they know the repercussions. It's not mean, it sets them up for reality. There are rules and consequences. Same as in life. Kids need limits, boundaries and expectations set and need to earn expansions to those boundaries. We are not rigid by any means. We maintain flexibility and open dialog. Haven't had a real problem yet, but teen years are quickly approaching. 
We are not made happy by what we acquire but by what we appreciate.
