When your kids refuse to even try a bite of their veggies or meat, do you feel like you are doing something wrong? Give yourself a break -- it turns out that a growing body of research shows that a child's taste preferences are largely inherited. One theory states that a reluctance to try new foods holds an evolutionary advantage -- thousands of years ago, if you were out in the wilderness, it was probably wise to avoid unknown foods. There is, of course, some environmental influence, so it is still worth your efforts to make mealtimes fun and interesting, and to keep offering new things. Just don't be surprised if you have to offer something ten times before your child will touch it, much less eat a full helping and pretend that they like it!
Reuters Article
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition Study