We just finished a dinner of salmon, rice, tomatoes, and grilled mushrooms- all of which my 19 month old ate in copious amounts.
So I started thinking about why some kids don't eat much of anything- a diet of mac n cheese, chicken nuggets, and pb&j with the token fruit seem to be the norm. And some people never grow out of these habits. Gross!
Universally, people like what they know (some say they know what they like-whatever). It makes sense that this applys to food as well. If children are exposed to a large range of food options at a young age, they will like to eat a large variety of food. Of course, I am not discounting food preferences or aversions. I think that people are individually sensitive to certain flavors or textures and I will always allow my kids to have a couple of things that they refuse to eat. When I was growing up, I hated onions and my parents allowed that I didn't have to eat them- ever, if I so chose. But they didn't let me refuse many foods. Now I like most things I didn't care for as a child, including onions to a point.
I am convinced that picky kids are made. I have observed that picky kids have parents who do one of two things: either the parents are picky themselves and refuse to eat many different kinds of food, or they allow their children so many preferences that the kids end up "liking" only a very short list of items.
Now, back to the preference thing. There are many things right now that Rowan has refused to eat, either all the time or depending on his mood. But I continue to offer them with hope that his tastes will change as he ages, which is often the case with small children. Our latest food is tomatoes. Every time Chris and I have tomatoes at a meal, Rowan get a bite on his plate as well. He always tries it, probably because it is brightly colored:), and then puts it back on his plate making a face. Tonight, he ate 1/2 a roma tomato! I guess the flavor/texture didn't bother him or he had watched us eat them for so long that he decided they MUST be good. Whichever it was, he is learning to appreciate food he previously didn't like (and therefore not be picky). Yea for victory over vegetables!
My method: offer a meal of whatever the family is eating for dinner-not a different menu just because it might be easier to feed Rowan yogurt, fruit, and hot dogs. In the long run, what a hassel! (plus, what does this teach him about life? "I get whatever I want, my parents exist to serve my selfish desires, I don't have to do what I'm told," and on and on). Then, if he makes a decent effort and seems to truly dislike the food, top him off with healthy food that he does like. Topping him off is important to me at bedtime so he doesn't wake up hungry in the middle of the night. And, note, this is what I'm doing now, while he's 19 months and still exploring his tastebuds. At 3 years old, capable of reason and understanding, used to eating with the family and probably posessing of a much stronger will and selfish tendencies, the option will be to eat what's served or go hungry. I do not think this is an unreasonable requirement, especially since I cook yummy food of a diverse variety. There's always something Rowan is sure to like. :)
Are your kids picky? Try not letting them dictate the menu. And no snacks between meals. They might go hungry a couple of meals. Let them! Hunger is an awful effective teacher. Also, eat a greater variety of food yourself and let them see you enjoying it. If daddy always turns his nose up at a salad, how do you expect the kids to like salad (since it's obviously gross)?
As my kids have gotten older I've found that they always enjoy a meal more when they've done something in the kitchen to help make it. While Faye has never been picky, Owen would eat just bread at every meal if we let him-- and we've raised both kids the same. But if I can get them to help me in the kitchen or even better--let them help me grow something outside, they are bound to be more excited to try new things.
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