Why fight with a 8 year old? I mean I have a almost one and I tell you, our mealtimes are much easier when I decided, I am cooking what I am cooking, she can try it, eat it or not. Easy, if she doesn't want to eat it, then fine NOTHING ELSE! It isn't mean, it isn't abusive but sounds as if your 8 year old is trying very hard to run the show. You can offer healthy, well rounded meals, if he doesn't like it, oh well!! Tough. Sorry but the reality is parents allow picking eating in fear their children will starve, they won't. They will eventually eat. If he hates everything well then tell him you hope he can change his mind. My biggest issue is neither of my children are allowed to say "I don't like that" unless they have truly tried it, chewed it up and swallowed it! Then they can have an opinion. I allow them each five things they truly just do not life, after they have truly tried it. I just don't cook those things. However, I am not a cafe and will cook healthy meals pretty much things they have tried and do like but they know if they choose not to eat it, that is fine. I won't argue, I won't get angry, I simply say "well you can be excused, please don't ask me for anything later then". I don't believe kids should have to completely clean their plates, however feel that substantial food needs consumed or it gets saved and if they are hungry they can eat it later. Hard core, sorry. I don't buy into that kids have allergies and that is why they don't like certain foods. Taste buds change a million times over their growing up. Like I said, I allow my kids not to like certain things, like asparagus, my son hates fish, however the stuff that isn't on their "list" I will make for the family and they can eat or not. Very simple, no arguing and no battles. Remember you are the parent.