Here the research infers that genes play a key role in a child’s willingness to eat, or even try, new foods. This does not mean all food tastes are predetermined, however. A liking for one type of food over another can be altered through parental guidance and other environmental stimuli.
These findings stem from British research into some 2,000 sets of 16-month-old twins. The join lead researcher Andrea Smith hopes the findings will help to deflect some blame, and associated feelings of guilt from parents. According to Dr. Smith parents often feel judged or guilty about their children’s fussy eating. Here the scientist states, in a BBC interview: “understanding that these traits are largely innate might help to deflect this blame.”
This leads to parallel studies that center on a psychological approach called form of “three Rs.” These are: Repetition, Role Modelling and Rewards. Here it is contended that if these three behavioral messages are emphasized at meal times, then this approach will overcome fussy eating and lead to children eating the food that is put in front of them.
The new research produces some interesting findings, such as an average child needs to be offered a new food 15 times before he or she will eat it. In terms of future research, the University College London scientists hope other researchers will attempt to identify the aspects of home and family life that most influence food fussiness in young children.
The new research is published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. The paper is titled “Food fussiness and food neophobia share a common etiology in early childhood.”
