Liz Ruff of West Chester, Pennsylvania, didn't want to get into the classic morning debate over who would take what for lunch. So she asked sons Bobby, 11, Joey, nine, Matt, seven, and Timmy, four, to post a list of favorite foods on the fridge. The boys agreed to eat what their mom packs, as long as it's on the list.

The chart turned up some surprises, says mom Liz. "I had no idea Joey liked granola," she says, "but he said he always trades for it with his friend at school." The boys also make note of their changing tastes, which is part of the system's strength. "The boys know what they like to eat matters," says Liz.