Originally Posted by
gfunkdave
My parents' line was always "This is not a restaurant. You don't have to eat it if you don't want it but I'm not making anything else." But I was never a picky eater and I don't think I ever turned up my nose at things in the end. The above line was mostly directed at my sister, who only ever wanted mac and cheese.
Some of us had enlightened parents even in the 50s, 60s and 70s.
That was pretty much what I heard. My mother went one step further, however, and made me a hamburger when they had liver and onions. The only thing that was expected was that I, at least, try everything. I didn't have to eat it if I didn't like it. I think it probably helped that my mother was a great cook and I pretty much liked everything else she made (except for some vegetables, all of which I now like) and I was always complimentary of her cooking, even as a kid.