#63798 - Picky eaters

[Architect]

But the problem you are describing is categorically different than that of a picky eater. I suppose a definition of terms is in order; to me, the term "picky eater" refers to someone who claims not to like many foods because of an aversion based on certain environmental factors, as well as innate fear of novelty.

That's fair. Do you think that the original reader would agree with the limits of your definition?

The reader began by talking about raising children, in which case I don't think that definition applies. Children are always initially afraid of new foods (to varying degrees). When pressured to eat what they don't want to, children become even more picky because they aren't allowed to simply satisfy their bodies' nutritional needs instinctively.

[Marduk]

Architect, I couldn't disagree with that more. I have known many children who are not picky, and are often excited to try new foods. I have also seen children who are initially picky, who have parents who work with them, and they become less picky.

[TheBlackSheep]

Yeeeeeah... I've known lots and lots of little kids and I don't agree with that either.

[NerdGirl]

Architect, I couldn't disagree with that more. I have known many children who are not picky, and are often excited to try new foods. I have also seen children who are initially picky, who have parents who work with them, and they become less picky.

I think you're right, but I think what you mean by "work with them" might be completely different that what Architect means by "pressured". Consistent, patient, gentle encouragement can help kids become less picky (which is I think what Marduk meant), but turning it into a battle of wills (which is what it sounded to me that Architect meant) can have the opposite effect.

[Marduk]

While I think that would be most effective, Nerdgirl, I think even doing it the wrong way sometimes has the effect of making them less picky.

[Dragon Lady]

While I think that would be most effective, Nerdgirl, I think even doing it the wrong way sometimes has the effect of making them less picky.

While I agree with you in general, I'm not sure I agree with this. I had a roommate who hated all fruit. The entire food group. Peaches were one of the worst for her, probably largely because she had very vivid memories of her mother forcing her to eat them.

[Marduk]

Er, right, that's why I said sometimes. Certainly "consistent, patient, gentle encouragement" is preferable to the more barbaric approach, but even the latter can sometimes be effective.