Why Making Your Kids Eat the Family Dinner Is About So Much More Than Food


 By Niki Gent

Let’s be honest—every family has that one meal that makes one of the kids pull a face like you’ve just served them a plate of worms. In my house, we had more than one. One kid hated cheche (actually, I think at some point they all did), one despised salad, one declared “Chicken Tonight” the worst thing ever invented (and still does), and another would cringe like he was being poisoned if you dared put yoghurt near him.
And yet, every night, we sat down together and shared whatever was on the table. Not because I’m a fan of culinary torture, but because dinner in our house was always about more than just food.

It’s Not About Cleaning Your Plate

Let’s get this straight: I’m not talking about forcing your kids to eat every last bite or guilting them into choking down things they truly hate. This isn’t about food battles or power struggles. It’s about something bigger—teaching our kids that sometimes, life isn’t just about what you want.
Sometimes, you have to do things for the good of the group. Sometimes, you take turns. Sometimes, you eat the salad even though you’d rather have nuggets, because tonight isn’t about you. And tomorrow, maybe it will be.

Learning to Share the Table

Growing up, my kids all had their food quirks. They’d eye the menu with suspicion, hoping for their favourite and bracing for their nemesis. But we took turns. Some nights were “cheche”  nights, some were salad nights, some were “Chicken Tonight” (sorry, kiddo), and yes, sometimes yoghurt made an appearance. Nobody got their way every time, but everyone got their way sometimes.
And you know what? They all survived. One still hates cheese, one still picks around the salad, and the Chicken Tonight protestor is still firmly anti-chicken-in-sauce. But they also learned something more important than how to tolerate a mouthful of egg pie.

It’s About Belonging

When we share a meal—even one that isn’t our favourite—we’re reminded that we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. We learn to compromise, to take turns, to respect other people’s likes and dislikes. We learn that sometimes, it’s okay to just be together, even if the food isn’t perfect.
We’re not raising little emperors who get a custom menu every night. We’re raising humans who can sit at a table, pass the peas, and find joy in being part of a family—even if they’re quietly plotting the demise of “Chicken Tonight.”

The Lesson That Lasts

My kids are grown now, and their food quirks are still with them. But so is their understanding that life isn’t always about getting your way. Sometimes you give, sometimes you take, and sometimes you just eat around the salad and focus on the conversation.
So the next time you’re tempted to whip up three different dinners to keep everyone happy, remember: you’re not just feeding their bellies, you’re teaching their hearts. And that lesson will last long after the plates are cleared.

P.S. Now that I’m a grandmother, all bets are off—my grandkids only ever get what they want, because that’s the rule! Grandparenting comes with special privileges (and unlimited chicken nuggets).


About Niki Gent
Niki Gent is the founder of Family and Child Consultants, a trauma-informed social worker, mum of four, grandmother of 2, and veteran of many dinner table debates. She believes the best lessons in life are often served up at mealtime—alongside a healthy dose of humour, honesty, and the occasional protest about cheese.



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