Researchers found that at 12 months of age, the babies who had positive reactions to new toys also tended to react similarly to the new foods. Those who had negative reactions to the new toys were also hesitant to try the new foods.
The researchers found that the way babies approach new foods at 12 months was a good predictor of how they would continue to approach other new objects throughout their toddler years. Results of this study suggest that the way infants and toddlers react to new foods is related to temperament. 1
Temperament is something a person is born with, but it doesn’t mean a person can’t change their behaviors. For instance, someone who is shy, can learn to open up to new people just as picky infants and toddlers can learn to accept new foods.
What parents and caregivers say at the table can be really influential- for the better and for the worse. So how do we help kids along when they're hesitating at the meal?
One important thing to remember is that kids are naturally hesitant to try new foods (otherwise known as neophobia) and it's considered a normal part of development. We also don't want to pressure them. My favorite rule at the table is this:
If I have an agenda other than helping my kiddo discover new foods (only to taste them not eat) and enjoy mealtime, then I'm most likely putting pressure on them.
It's not my job to make anyone eat. It's my job to be considerate, thoughtful and offer options but there should be no force here.
I have a few phrases below that can be helpful to diffuse conflict and anxiety with meals for you and your kiddos. It's also best to have a conversation before meals about what food will be served and that you encourage them to try new things if this process is a new one for your family.
“You don’t have to eat anything you don’t want to” (Believe it or not, this is important. There may have been pressure and frustrated messages in the past so we need to start this process as a safe place for our kiddos to make the decision of what goes in the mouth and what does not.)
"We gotta try new foods because they might taste good!" (a relatable and encouraging message from Daniel Tiger...a favorite in our home)
“What would make this meal better for you?” (opening the conversation to kids to they can contribute, sometimes best done before meals to avoid catering)
“We are having chicken, would you like rice or pasta with it?” (giving a choice and making sure there are safe/familiar foods on the table)
“We will have …… again soon” (assuring and acknowledging your child, which is helpful when you're staring at a face who is very resistant)
“Im sorry you're upset about….” (more acknowledging language because it's important to be heard when you aren't getting what you want)
“Let’s save that for snack” (One way to avoid saying no but setting some much-needed boundaries with who determines what is served at the table - that's you! You decide what is served and when.)
It's OK if your first, second and third try offering different foods didn't work out. I know it's discouraging to keep trying without success...believe me I know..I'm there with you too!
One day, sooner than you expect, they will try them and may even like them. Research suggests that it may take ten to twenty exposures before a child or an adult accepts a new food, so be sure to stay open-minded and be patient. (2,3) One thing I can say when you have doubts is this:
It's very easy to limit a child when we don't believe they can do it. We also limit young ones when we stop giving them these opportunities to grow in their eating behavior.
Infants and kids desire to become independent and evolve. BUT like anyone- if given a way out, they will default to the easy route. So as you already know= catering and making the typical "kids meal" breakfast/lunch and dinner isn't the path to growth. Save the kid's menu for the occasional night out where the restaurant is doing the cooking!
Feeding infants and children is a bi-directional relationship. How your child perceives you around feeding contributes to the behaviors and attitudes they show around eating. Take notice of how you may be limiting your kiddos from discovery with food. It's a lifelong journey with eating and we all need support as we reach for something new and unfamiliar.
If you find you need a more help in this area of feeding, reach out for support.
1 Moding, Stifter Does Temperament Underly Infant Novel Food Responses?: Continuity of Approach Withdrawal From 6 to 18 Months Child Development, Aug 2017
2 Birch, Leann L., C. Johnson, and Jennifer O. Fisher, "Children's Eating: The Development of Food-Acceptance Patterns," Young Child 50 (1995): 71-8.
3 Pliner, Patricia, "The Effects of Mere Exposure on Liking for Edible Substances," Appetite 3 (1982): 283-90.
コメント