Encouraging Preschoolers to Try New Foods

Growing up as a picky eater, I can relate to a child who does not want to try new foods.  As a picky eater, I truly had a fear of new foods.  It was a combination of the fear of a physical reaction like gagging or throwing up and the embarrassment that would come from it.    It is still difficult for me today to try certain foods and I am wary of foods where I cannot “see” what is in it. I recently read an article in which I learned that 8 to 12 experiences are necessary for a child to try and then accept a new food. Well I know that growing up I did not give new foods a fighting chance, having probably only tried new foods once, if at all.  I was also surprised to learn that Preschool-age children go through a normal developmental phase called neophobia, or fear of new things—in this case, new foods.  Preschool children are influenced by the people around them.  Parents, siblings, grandparents, caregivers, friends and teachers help to shape a child’s eating habits.  Here are a few ideas that can help the picky eater become more adventurous:

-          Make food fun  

-          Keep offering new foods

-          Be a good role model by eating new foods with children  

-          Let children choose new foods

-          Help children learn about new foods  

-          Try offering one new food at a time  

-          Avoid forcing children to try new food

Most of all be patient with your child. 

Happy eating!