"My children should would eat what I serve if they knew how hard I work."  This is another dinner time myth discussed in Charles and Jim Fay's book, Love and Logic Magic:  When Kids Leave You Speechless.

Getting in arguments about eating food is one area parents should avoid; you cannot control what they eat or don't eat, unless you become a physical bully about it.  This won't make your relationship with your children a happy one.  If children don't want to eat what's been served to them and they get nasty about it, ask them to leave the table so you can enjoy your meal.  They can come back and finish their meal when they can behave in a more polite manner.  If they refuse to do so, let it go.  If gives you a chance to eat in peace.  Enjoy the moment.