Are you having a hard time getting your family to eat what you've just made for them? Take it from me, someone who is a terrible cook, there is hope!

Even if you are a master chef, kids are still picky, not to mention husbands. And let's face it, after a long day, making dinner is one more chore on what seems an unending list.

It was the fifth night my 7 year old asked me for the yogurt alternative - something I offer to the kids as a last ditch effort after our "try it" policy is enforced*. Out of frustration and being completely burned out of ideas on what to make, I inadvertently made dinner a team effort.

Here is what I did:

I assigned each of my kids a night for dinner. Each one places their "order" (think pretend restaurant) for the entire meal following these guidelines - one part protein (chicken, meat, beans or fish), one starch, a vegetable and dessert (optional). My husband and I are also each assigned a night. My 9 year old writes it up like a menu and I make my grocery list from there.

Remember that picky 7 year old? She chose roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and a medley of frozen peas, corn and carrots. After having two helpings at dinner, she actually asked if she could take the leftovers to school for lunch the next day.

I was so excited about this collaboration that I carried it onto kitchen duties. Being a huge believer in the saying "many hands make little work", I now have everyone wash their own dish. If your kids are younger, they might still be able to bring their own dish to the sink.

To get things moving, I become "DJ Mom" and blast the music so it seems more like a party. I find that putting on old favorites from my younger and more carefree days really helps me get in the spirit of things as well as exposing my kids to the glorious days of disco and funk. A little music history if you will! I wash the rest of the dishes while one of my girls finishes clearing the table and the other sprays and wipes it down. Not so overwhelming any more, is it? One last thing--why not make lunches the night before while your kitchen is still "open". I have each girl choose a snack that they would like for the next day. They set out their lunch boxes and once again, put in their "order". If they want leftovers, it is so easy to do.

My kids aren't sandwich eaters at school, so I make things like pasta the night before and put it in containers. That way it can be eaten like a pasta salad the next day.

If my situation sounds any bit familiar to you, what have you got to lose? Try it and let me know how it works for you and your family.

*p.s.: The "try it" policy: My girls are encouraged to give something a try and if they don't like it, they don't have to eat it. It's as simple as that.

My 9 year old needs no coaxing. She'll try sea urchin at the local sushi restaurant. But my 7 year old is the typical kid. She won't eat something if it even touches a food she doesn't like. She still gives many a sour face to things she tries, but she has also added Pad Thai, mashed potatoes, lettuce and cucumber to her repertoire.