Alright, I have a confession to make… I don’t like vegetables. Okay, maybe I like some, but Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, eggplant, and a few others? Not my cup of tea. If you’ve ever found yourself grappling with the challenges of a fussy eater in your family, you’re not alone. Research suggests that our food preferences, or aversions, are often shaped during our early years – either by being fed a certain way, repeated exposure, or the lack thereof.
As a parent, I’ve spoken to many families facing the same struggle – introducing new foods only to be met with resistance. Turns out, this resistance might be more hard-wired than we thought. According to Rachel Herz’s recent book, “That’s Disgusting,” a significant portion of what we find repulsive is culturally influenced. As Professor Ann Fishel, ph. D of The Family Dinner Project writes “Just think about fermented delicacies like shark corpse in Greenland or maggot cheese in Sardinia – things revered within a culture but repulsive to outsiders.”
So, what can parents do to navigate this portion of the culinary challenge? Here are some insights gleaned from various research studies:
1. Early Exposure is Key: Children tend to like what they know, and the best time to make them familiar with a wide range of foods is soon after weaning or before the age of 2. By introducing diverse foods early on, you increase the likelihood of maintaining an accepting palate, even during the notorious fussy preschool years.
2. Repetition Trumps Rewards: Want your child to try a new food? Repetition is your secret weapon. Studies suggest that repeated exposure to a new food is more effective than offering rewards. So, instead of resorting to, “Eat all your peas or no dessert,” try, “Try a taste of the broccoli and eat as much as you’d like.”
3. Tackling Texture Aversions: Researcher Dr. Yolanda Martins emphasizes that the texture of food, especially slimy, slippery, and mushy, often triggers aversions. If your child rejects certain foods, consider offering them in different forms with less off-putting textures. Pureeing sautéed mushrooms and onions into a soup might just render those veggies more palatable.
Now, let’s talk about how The Table Talk Project (TTTP) can play a role in transforming your family’s relationship with food. As a parent, I understand the struggle, and that’s why I’m excited to share how TTTP’s unique approach can turn the dinner table into a place of connection and exploration.
The Table Talk Project: A Solution for Fussy Eating
Part of TTTP’s menu includes an “Entree,” which involves the food you eat and prepare. Here’s where you can involve your kids in a fun and interactive way. Give them the power to choose by setting parameters like including two veggies, one meat, one carb, and steering clear of takeout. When children have a say in what’s on the table, they’re more likely to dig in.
Take it a step further by including the kids in dinner preparation. This not only makes them feel like active participants but also exposes them to the variety of ingredients and the process of creating a meal.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. TTTP’s “Main” is the conversation starter, and here’s where the real transformation happens. Encourage your kids to choose a conversation starter from the list available on the TTTP website. This not only sparks engaging discussions but also gives your children a taste of decision-making and responsibility.
Finally, let them take charge of the “Dessert” or the check-in. This is the perfect opportunity for them to ensure everyone felt listened to and heard during the meal. It fosters a sense of connection and communication within the family.
In conclusion, if you’re looking to tackle fussy eating, involve your kids in meal decisions and preparation. The Table Talk Project offers a unique and effective recipe for transforming the dinner table into a space of connection, exploration, and delightful conversations. Give it a try and watch your family’s relationship with food evolve. Let us know how it goes – we’d love to hear your success stories!
