The summer holidays have arrived, and with them, the daily standoff between parents and children over a single piece of broccoli. The BBC asked readers for their tips on surviving mealtime battles, and the responses range from clever to desperate.

Natalia, a mum-of-four from south-west London, has perfected the veggie nugget: green beans fried in butter and dipped in breadcrumbs. Teacher Kieron Fisher of Newbury hides vegetables in curries and spaghetti Bolognese for his six-year-old twins. Meanwhile, Emma Robins from Reading relies on broccoli hidden in pesto pasta and veg pulsed into sauces, plus homemade veggie burgers.

Routine is key: Kieron uses visual boards to show healthy snacks followed by activities. Doone from London, mum to two-year-old Cora, takes a chill approach: "If they're hungry, they'll eat. I don't force them." She always puts broccoli on the plate, even if it's ignored.

Emma advocates giving kids choices in their lunchboxes and praising any interest - "If they say they want carrots, run and get the carrots." Research suggests it may take up to 15 attempts before children accept new foods. One parent outside Barnes Primary School advises persistence: "Keep offering it."

The NHS notes that fussy eating is common, affecting over half of children at some point. Vegetables can taste bitter to young palates, but most habits improve. If unhealthy avoidance persists, seek medical advice.

Doone eats with her girls and serves the same food. The British Nutrition Foundation agrees: make food a family affair and let kids help prepare. Emma adds fun with fruit picking and garden picnics. Kieron emphasizes portion control: "Too much food at once can feel overwhelming." Doone limits snacks to boost dinner appetites, while Natalia leaves out healthy finger foods like chopped peppers and apples. Kieron says don't ban treats - just serve them alongside healthier options. "It's about focusing on the overall balance rather than perfection," he concludes.