Children need patience to adjust to new foods

By Grace CanadaYoung children are often afraid to try eating new foods. They may reject new foods that are offered to them.It is normal for them to do so. Scientists call fear of new things neophobia. This can be very frustrating for parents. For example, Martha, a 36-year-old mother was frustrated when her four-year-old Timya rejected sukuma wiki (collard greens) she had prepared for him at home. Martha had attended a class on child nutrition and learnt that mineral calcium is very important for the development of strong bones, teeth and other body functions especially for children and that sukuma wiki is a rich source of calcium.Martha wanted her son Timy to grow healthy. When she put the sukuma wiki on Timy’s plate, Timy asked: “What is that?” “Sukuma wiki,” Martha answered. “I do not like it, it is yucky!” cried Timy. “You have not even tasted it. How do you know it tastes yucky? You have to eat whether you like it or not!” said Martha.Tension built up. Soon every one become upset. What started out as a promising good experience become a real hassle.Well, Martha and Timy are not alone. Everyday thousands of parents argue with children about eating certain foods. While parents want their children to eat healthy foods, the children may not want those particular foods.The good news is that there are some guidelines designed for parents on how to handle situations that come up at meal times including how to introduce new foods to your children. Below are several things you can do to encourage your child to accept a new food:l First eat the food before placing it on a child’s plate.l Do not bribe your child or force him or her, to try eating a new food.l Offer new foods when a child is hungry and resting.l Do not pressure a child in any way to try a new food.l Let the child help prepare the food.l If necessary let the child look at the food and touch it. (This is how children learn about new things). Suggest to the child that he or she tastes a new food. After being served the food several times, the child will usually taste it but may not eat a lot of it. That is okay. Just keep serving the new food and let the child decide whether or not to eat it. Sometimes children need to be served a food many times before accepting it.You see, it is that simple! And it works. I strongly suggest that you experiment with the given guidelines when introducing a new food, and you will be pleasantly surprised.