New insights indicate that the tendency for children to be fussy eaters is largely influenced by genetics rather than parenting styles. Researchers also discovered that being picky with food can persist into the teenage years, building on their earlier research focused on toddlers.
Conducted in the UK, the study compared the eating habits of identical and fraternal twins from 16 months to 13 years old. Since identical twins share all their genetic material and fraternal twins only share about half, the researchers could determine how much fussy eating is caused by genetics versus environment. They found that identical twins were much more alike in their food preferences, indicating that genetics do play a significant role.
Although their genes may make children more likely to be picky, parents can still try various strategies to help expand their children's tastes, especially during early childhood. The research suggests that home factors, like the types of food served at family meals, matter more when children are toddlers. However, as kids grow older, outside influences, such as friends, start to shape their eating habits, too.
How can you help young picky eaters have a balanced diet?
Keep offering different types of food (even those that your child has turned down before) not just once or twice, but many times, over several months or years, and without ever losing your COOL. Try to share meals with your kids as often as possible, while always staying RELAXED.
Picture: Why some kids are fussy eaters? (Designer)
