My husband is a meat eater and I'm a vegetarian. We disagree with each other. The way we solve it is I make half the meals and he makes half. The kids don't have a second choice on his night or mine so they have to eat or go hungry. Usually they eat. We're both firm and consistent. This avoids fights.

If the kids don't like vegetables, there are plenty of substitute "meat" foods that can be found at most groceries now - soy protein fake meat things like ground fake meat, fake hot dogs, fake burgers and all that stuff. We're vegetarians and although my kids don't like raw vegetables, they find plenty to eat on our diet. They also eat beans, egg and cheese so there is no shortage of protein.

The most important thing is to show the kids how two really different people can negotiate respectfully. There are lots of ways to resolve this issue however nothing is more important than teaching the kids about kindness, love and mutual respect. You can use this opportunity to teach kids how to make marriage work and how to be a sensitive, considerate human being!  Avoid a public battle of wills, a demonstration of self-righteousness or stubborn behavior. Instead, model flexibility, creativity and willingness to compromise. These lessons will last a lifetime. Sarah Chana