My first child was born 3 1/2 months premature, and like most children born so early, she has issues with eating. Most days, she simply doesn't seem to like food. On the other hand, my 12 month old is a big boy. I have yet to find a food he doesn't like. Although part of me feels double-minded at dinner time ("Kid on the right: Give every fattening food imaginable. Kid on the left: Stick to veggies."), I'm beginning to realize there are similar "tricks" when it comes to feeding them. Here are a few you might be able to use in your household: * Dr. Brian Wansink, PhD conducted one study showing women eating off attractive plates ate more food. So maybe you should skip those cute Winnie the Pooh or Little Einstein plates and stick to plain dinnerware for your kids.

* Although the idea of hiding vegetables in non-suspecting foods (zucchini in your spaghetti, anyone?) is popular right now, it's not the complete answer. At some point, kids need to learn to like vegetables. * Forcing children to eat doesn't work. I repeat: It does not work. You might get them to eat those green beans tonight, but it makes them want to resist more the next night. * Studies show the larger the plate or cup you give a person, the more he or she is likely to consume. Make this work for you by giving your child a very large cup of water. * Similarly, the more food you place on someone's plate, the more they tend to eat. So instead of only giving your child only as many peas as you think he might eat, pile them on. One-quarter or one-third cup is the correct portion size for children, anyway. * For foods you don't want your child to eat a lot of, try using tiny plates or bowls. The same thing is true of fattening drinks; fill small cups (or tall, thin ones) and the kids will feel like they are getting lots while consuming a reasonable amount. * If your child doesn't 't eat what's on her plate, don't make a big deal out it. Wrap the plate in plastic wrap and serve it to them at the next meal. Really, if they are hungry, they will eat it. And they aren't going to starve if they skip a meal or two. * Allow children to eat with their fingers. Dr. Wansink believes many children become pickier eaters when they are between the ages of four and eight because parents begin making them eat with utensils all the time. He believes this may reduce a child's pleasure in food. * Create fun names for foods. Call broccoli "Dinosaur Trees" and carrots "X-Ray Vision Arrows." * Allow your child some choices at meal time. An open ended question like "What do you want for lunch?" may bring you an answer you don't want, but try saying, "Do you want peas or green beans tonight?" and see what happens. Kids love to feel they have some control. Perhaps soon you'll find yourself amazed as you tell your child, "If you don't eat your macaroni, you can't have your green beans." (Yes, it does happen in my house...a lot!)