The thought that children refusing to eat is a direct challenge to your authority as a parent is another myth.  There is no truth in it so listen up.  The more you give your child choices, the less often your child will challenge you.  Children want to feel they have control in their lives.  Giving them choices over little things make them feel they have control and then they won't be so confrotational.  Instead of saying, "Drink your milk, " you might say, "Do you want milk or water?"  If the child says, "I want soda", you reply with, "what did you hear me say?"  You keep giving that response until your child tells you what you said.  Then you give praise for great listening and ask, "Do you want water or milk?"   more »