Having recently arrived home with our new 11 year old son from China, we are experiencing what might be called a cold war when it comes to food and siblings. With age, my taste buds have become varied enough that I can endure almost any food...at least once.

Alyssa, however, will only eat fried rice or noodles when it comes to Chinese food, and Caleb promptly turns up his nose at cold cereal, pancakes, and many other American dishes.

In the interest of pleasing all and keeping peace in the family, don't be afraid to have more than one menu for different members of your family as your new child transitions. You don't want to be a short order cook for the rest of your life, but neither do you want your children who were already at home to resent their new sibling because they have to eat foods that he likes yet again!

Foods and smells can be a great comfort to a child whose world was just turned upside down, so we have made trips to the local Asian market to purchase foods that Caleb enjoys.

Last night while the rest of us ate barbecued chicken with mashed potatoes, Caleb ate chicken with chili and garlic oil, and added kimchi on the side. This morning for breakfast while others ate pancakes, Caleb had kimchi once again with spicy, hot noodles.

While my other children prefer green beans or corn, Caleb would much rather eat bok choy for every meal. Braised anchovies put a grin on his face that makes everyone else's face blanch when he breathes on us.

Benjamin, who lives for green onions and garlic, has killed us all with his breath for the past 6 years. It was payback time as yesterday Caleb breathed on him after eating kimchi and fish. Benjamin waved his hand in front of his face and told Caleb, "Your breath stinks!" Glad you're finally on the receiving end, buddy!