I think you have made some very good suggestions except for your last statement. There are some children who, due to a history of reflux, allergies,oral motor difficulties, sensory issues, etc., are very fearful of trying new foods. Pressure to eat...such as "you have to try what is on your plate...is not helpful for these children and in fact can cause an increase in stress (how would you feel if you had to try something that might not make you feel good, may be a potential choking risk (if I don't have the oral motor skills to move the food in my mouth properly), may cause pain?). Please consider researching Kay Toomey's SOS Approach to Feeding to learn more about the complexities of the feeding process and helpful strategies for children.