After age five, parents no longer need to worry about the adequate calorie intake of their children; as noted, the problem lies in limiting caloric intake. That is why it is particularly important to monitor the quality of the calories and the way they conduct themselves at the table.

If you find yourself with a difficult eater, there is no need to bend over backward. Part of growing up is learning to eat politely, and show respect. As a parent, you should not tolerate persnickety behavior. But in keeping with the calm, stress-free idea of the family table, try not to let the pickiness instigate conflict. To combat your persnickety kid, here are a few tips:

• Be upbeat and calmly explain that they are expected to taste everything. If they do not like it, that’s fine, but there will be no more food offered that evening.

• Don’t force the plate clean. Don’t badger them to eat it. Food taste is a very personal thing. What is perfectly acceptable to one may be not at all pleasant to another. Arguing over it is pointless. You can ignore it or simply state, “Too bad. Maybe someday you’ll like it.”

• Do not make multiple meals. You are not a short-order cook. If they are hungry, they will eat.