I had a great idea for dinner tonight: a dinner picnic in the park, followed by kids playing on the playground and parents walking around the track.

It was a good idea in theory, but for children who’ve been in the sun a little too much over the last few days, no bueno. So we decided to go with sandwiches in the house. Everyone had sandwiches for lunch, though.

A fun twist? A lunchbox dinner.

I made sandwiches for each of the children, gave them (Scrabble) Cheez-Its, string cheese and drinks inside their Shamu lunchboxes (what kids’ meals are served in at Sea World) and they thought it was fantastic. Everyone ate with almost no problem. They were waaay too giggly, but battling giggly is a lot easier than battling children who refuse to eat.

They each had the opportunity to choose what went on their sandwich, which always helps keep the dinnertime fights at bay. Why? Just like adults, children want control and power. Choosing what you eat is something simple that makes a big difference. I’m not a short order cook and I don’t run a restaurant, but from time to time we do plan dinners that allow them options: PB&J or ham & cheese? Pepperoni pizza or cheese?

One of my brothers recently criticized this, telling me I shouldn’t give four-year-olds choices. And why not? We were eating lunch that day and my kids cleaned their plates and thensome while … let’s just say his didn’t. Doesn’t work for everyone, but it’s worth a shot. Especially if some of your children are like some of mine and hate eating some nights.

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