It can be easy for parents to feel frustrated when their child wants only chicken nuggets and French fries. Still, it’s essential to remember that choosiness is a natural part of normal growth and development, as opposed to defiance.
Patience is a virtue parents need when introducing new foods to their children, said Deana Hildebrand, Registered Dietitian and Oklahoma State University Extension Community Health Program leader.
“As parents, all we want to do is provide healthy food options to our children, but it can take time for children to develop a taste for some foods,” she said. “It’s normal for young children to take time getting used to new foods, and research shows it can take 10 or more times of trying a new food. Kids are born liking sweet tastes such as breast milk, and may be cautious about anything bitter or unfamiliar, which can signal spoiled or toxic foods. They also have more taste buds than adults and are more sensitive to strong flavors, textures and smells. Bottom line, your job as a parent is to offer a variety of healthy foods and to let kids decide what and how much to eat.”
