Why Some Kids Are Picky Eaters (And Why Parents Shouldn't Push Too Hard)

I don't like them seperately, but
all togehter?  Forget it.
Ugly food by OpenAI

Personally, I don't care for certain foods.  Here's a list of some of the foods I prefer to avoid:

Fresh tomatoes	Eggplant	Cauliflower
Veal	Oysters	Rhubarb
Black Licorice	Shredded coconut	Liver

Bonus Topic:  Check this article out:  Top 20 Common Foods People Don't Like

That's some of the foods I don't like.  There are a lot of foods I do like, but these... not so much for my taste.

But for some families, this idea of a "picky eater" has a different meaning.  I prefer not to eat these foods--but some people just cannot eat certain foods.  And there can be further impact for generation gaps, where people were taught to "eat the food that's in front of them" -- and at a time in history, that was the only option for a lot of people.

Some people are just really picky eaters--to the point where if they don't get the food they like, they will not eat.

I admit, that's a foreign concept to me,  But to others, that's the reailty of life.  And over time I've learned why some people are picky eaters.  The answer is plain and simple:  There are only certain foods that they like.

Texture, taste, smell, temperature--all these can combine to form the eating experience.  A picky eater may well be iun a place where these senses come together to a heightened level that drive their decisions at the table.

Mealtime can often turn into a battleground when parents have picky eaters at home. The struggle to get children to eat their greens and try new foods can be frustrating and exhausting. In this two-part series, we'll delve into the world of picky eaters and explore practical strategies to transform mealtime from a challenge into an opportunity for exploration and growth.

So here's the plan:  we have a two-part series on this topic.  Part 1 (this article) goes into the understanding and background of the picky eater.  In Part 2, we will look at using AI to help plan meals and recipies to accomodate picky eaters.

Oh, and in this article I usually refer to picky eaters as "kids" because that's predominately my experience and it helped to put together meaningful examples.  But being a picky eater is not restricted to the young--many adults are also picky eaters and can benefit from these insights.

Understanding Picky Eating: The Psychology Behind It

Picky eating isn't simply a matter of stubbornness or defiance. It has roots in the complex psychology of children's development. Neophobia, the fear of new foods, is a common phenomenon among youngsters. Evolutionarily, it's a protective mechanism that once kept our ancestors safe from potentially harmful substances. For some kids, this wariness of new flavors and textures lingers, making them wary of unfamiliar foods.

Developmental Phases and Growth

Children's palates are a work in progress, evolving as they grow. What might be deemed "yucky" today could become a favorite tomorrow. Taste preferences change as kids experience developmental phases, often outgrowing their pickiness with time. The foods they once rejected might become appealing as their sensory experiences expand.

Parental Approach: Avoiding Power Struggles

Parents' well-intentioned efforts to get children to eat can sometimes backfire, leading to power struggles and mealtime stress. It's important to create a positive atmosphere around food. Pressuring children to eat certain foods can cause them to associate mealtimes with anxiety, making them even more resistant to trying new things.

Encouraging Exploration: Gentle Exposure to New Foods

Instead of pushing unfamiliar foods onto picky eaters, consider a gradual approach to exposure. Repeatedly exposing them to new foods, even if it's just a small taste, can increase their acceptance over time. Involving kids in meal planning and preparation can also make them feel more connected to their food choices.

Embracing Patience and Understanding

Understanding why some kids are picky eaters is the first step towards fostering a healthier relationship with food. As parents, it's crucial to approach picky eating with empathy and patience. Remember, your child's evolving tastes are part of their growth journey. In Part 2 of this series, we'll explore how AI can assist parents in creating school lunches that cater to their picky eaters' preferences, making mealtime a joyful experience for both parents and children.