I was raised differently as well; food in front of you is what you're eating. However in this day and age, it's tantamount to neglect or abuse to refuse a child something to eat. IE "Chicken is what is for dinner, no you can't eat pizza" -> "You can't not feed your kid, let him eat". I commented to another poster about the school breakfast/lunch situation. TLDR: I have no choice in the matter. The kid wins.