It would be interesting to see if there is any correlation between children who are allowed free access to any food any time they feel like it, and children who are "picky eaters" at meal times.
As a child, my mother provided me with breakfast, lunch, dinner and supper. I did not need, nor was I allowed, to help myself to food at other times. If I had asked for food, providing it wasnt just before a meal time, I would have been given something, but the fridge and cupboards where certainly not a free for all.
I would never have dreamt of going into anyone elses fridge and helping myself as a child, nor would I do it now in someone else home, and I would see it as incredibly rude if anyone was to do it in my home.
Too many kids seem to be food obsessed these days. Growing up, I ate what was put in front of me.. and often had to be dragged in from playing outside... mealtimes were just something that happened. I didnt question the food, play with the food, or refuse to eat the food..
My stepchildren lived by the same rules my parents had for me, and they apply the same to their own children now.