Picky, Picky, Picky!

My boys are picky eaters.  Actually, picky is an understatement.  It is more of a “I would rather walk over hot coals than eat what is in front of me” eater.  It is insane. They have even tried the, “I took a bite and it made me gag so bad that I almost threw up” act numerous times (this sometimes involves actually gagging, coughing and throwing up at its most dramatic).  As if forcing themselves to throw up is going to soften me and allow them to have something else.  Granted, it is a good attempt, but apparently they do not know their equally stubborn mother very well.

There was always a slight dislike for certain foods but over the past few months it has gotten much worse.  The other night topped it off when  I ordered a cheese pizza from the new place in town.  They looked at the box, stated that it was not from the normal place we order, and therefore, they do not like it.  Same white cheese, same red sauce, same brown crust, but no, they don't like it.  Are you kidding me?  IT IS CHEESE PIZZA!  What child does not want to eat cheese pizza?  I think that is what gets me the most.  I cannot believe they turn down things that I thought every child loved to consume (i.e. french fries).  It just seems crazy.

Through all of this selective eating,  I continue to stand my ground, usually resulting in them not eating much at dinner (if at all) and getting nothing the rest of the night.  I feel a little bad about this but I am not going to let them think they can refuse something and get something else in its place.  If I say this is for dinner, then it is for dinner.  End of story.  I can only hope this phase ends soon and I can actually make ONE normal meal for dinner without hear the most frustrating words in the world, "I don't like ____ (add any of the 99% of foods)". 

Anyone else have picky eater in their home?  Does it drive you crazy too?