Often the child flatly refuses to try the liver or fish, mushrooms or cabbage. Without even taking them in his mouth, he is sure that you are offering some kind of filth. What is the reason for such a categorical refusal and how to convince a child to try something new? The advice of nutritionist Dr. Edward Abramson will help parents negotiate with little stubborn ones.
Sooner or later, every parent is faced with a situation where the child has to beg to try a new dish. Nutritionist and psychotherapist Edward Abramson invites parents to arm themselves with scientific data in caring for the proper development of children.
What do parents do to get their kids to try new foods? They beg: “Well, at least a little!” or threaten: “If you don’t eat, you’ll be left without dessert!”, get angry and then, as a rule, give up. Sometimes they are comforted by the thought that this is just another phase of development. But what if the child’s refusal speaks of a more serious problem? Research has established a link between food neophobia — a refusal to try unfamiliar foods — and a reluctance to eat fruits, meats, and vegetables in favor of starches and snacks.
Two to six
According to research, immediately after weaning, the child is willing to try new things. And only at the age of two and up to six years begins to refuse unknown products more often. Perhaps this is due to the fact that children at this age form an idea of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbhow food should look like. Something that has a different taste, color, smell or texture does not fit into the existing pattern and is rejected.
Genetics and nature
Abramson emphasizes that the rejection of a new food is not at all a deliberate act of a child. Recent twin studies have shown that about two-thirds of cases of food neophobia are genetically determined. For example, the love of sweets can be inherited from ancestors.
Nature also plays a role — perhaps a wary attitude towards unfamiliar products is written somewhere in human DNA. This instinct saved the prehistoric ancestors from poisoning and helped to recognize edible substances. The fact is that poisonous fruits are rarely sweet in taste, more often bitter or sour.
How to beat neophobia
Edward Abramson invites parents to approach the issue systematically and arm themselves with patience.
1. Positive example
Behavior modeling can help overcome food neophobia. Let the child see mom and dad enjoying the food. It will be even more effective if a whole group of people will eat the new food with pleasure. Family parties and feasts are perfect for this task.
2. געדולד
It takes patience to help your child overcome the reluctance to try new foods. It may take 10 to 15 quiet repetitions before the child tries the food. Parental pressure is often counterproductive. If a child feels annoyed by mom and dad, food will be associated with stress for him. This increases the likelihood that he will even more stubbornly refuse new dishes.
In order not to turn the dinner table into a battlefield, parents must be wise. If the child refuses, unfamiliar food can be put aside and continue to enjoy the familiar together. And tomorrow again invite him to try, showing by example that it is safe and tasty.
About the Expert: Edward Abramson is a clinical psychologist and author of books on healthy eating for children and adults.