Mikester and Oh Haha, you guys are pretty much describing dinner at my house on some nights. Jeez, I know what I'm *supposed* to do, but it's not always as easy as those who want to play arm chair quarterback make it sound.
My kids (3 and 5) can get really whiney and not eat much at times. The only thing that's sort-of working is keeping the plate of food on the table until they get hungry later. No desserts, snacks, etc. until they eat what I put on the plate.
But I have to admit I have caved in a few times and given my little one something else he wants right before bed just so he has something in his stomach.
You guys who stress sending the kid to bed without can come over to my house and get up at 3:00 AM when the kid gets hungry
I have to work in the morning, so sometimes I'm not the Supernanny I'd like to be.