Sculpting children's eating habits
September 18, 2020
Children often refuse to try a new food, especially if it looks or smells repulsive, which worries parents. The problem becomes even greater when the foods children refuse are fruits, vegetables or fish, which are essential for the proper development of the child. The solution, however, to this problem seems to be relatively easy and painless for both children and parents.
According to research conducted by the University of Illinois, children's food preferences depend on the extent to which children are exposed to these foods. Specifically, in the experimental research carried out, two-year-old children were exposed 2, 5, 10, 15, or 20 times to some new foods, such as exotic fruits or strange cheeses, while at the same time the history of the food was explained to them. After about a month during which the children were repeatedly exposed to the new foods, they were asked to choose their preferences. It turned out that the children chose those foods with which they had come into contact more often.
It seems, then, that a child's preferences regarding which foods he likes and which ones he doesn't, ultimately has to do with how familiar he is with them. To properly shape your children's eating habits, repeatedly expose them to new and nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, talk to them about them and, of course, set a good example by being open to new things yourself. tests.
Irini Karanikola
Counseling Psychologist