I don't like it!
But you haven't tasted it!
I don't like it though...
As the name suggests, neophobia is the fear of the new. Food neophobia is therefore the fear of new foods.
We have all been confronted at some point with a child who strongly refuses to eat a food even though they have never tasted it. We often think of this as a tantrum, but in fact it is not, the child is really afraid of what is on the plate.
AT WHAT AGE DOES IT START?
It is estimated that the period of food neophobia is between 18 months and 6 years, with a peak between 18 months and 3 years (in the famous opposition phase when the child wants to assert his authority). This is a very common period for children, affecting more than 75% of them.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
Your child systematically refuses all the new foods you offer (and may even refuse foods he or she has enjoyed up to now), and this from one day to the next, without explanation.
This fear of the new can also affect other areas (such as the evening story which should not change), and anything new will be rejected.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?
Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain children's food neophobia. It could come from :
- the phase ofopposition to the parents (the "no" phase),
- the child'sgrowing autonomy (the child starts to feed himself, and asks himself if the food presented is good for him),
- the search for safety in the food sector (in the face of the many changes it has to deal with, particularly with the start of school).
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
In general, a period of food neophobia only lasts a few weeks to a few months. But in fact, it depends a lot on the behaviour of the parents present at mealtimes(and yes...). The more neutral and calm you are, the faster the period of food neophobia will pass.
Be careful, however, not to turn this refusal of novelty into a whim, and thus show your children that they are taking power over you, otherwise you will be setting out for years of conflict...
IN CONCRETE TERMS, HOW SHOULD WE REACT?
- The first thing to do is to reassure the child. Even if it is not always easy, scolding a child who refuses to eat will not help. The same goes for blackmailing a child who refuses to eat, including depriving them of dessert or television. Ideally, the meal should continue as if nothing had happened, in a calm atmosphere.
- Food education is very important. The more the child is involved in shopping, meal preparation, etc., the faster the problem of food neophobia will be solved.
- It is important to introduce the child to the foods presented to him or her by explaining their origins, seasons, tastes, etc. In a playful way, with pictures for example.
- It is also important that the whole family eats the same thing. The child would not understand why he or she does not eat like his or her parents (or siblings) and would experience this as a punishment. Eating should be perceived as a pleasant moment.
Studies show that it takes an average of 8 to 9 attempts before a new food is accepted (and appreciated!) by a child. So, above all, you need to be PATIENT, and ask the child to taste a little, and then present the food again a few days later.
SHOULD WE BE CONCERNED?
It is not always easy for a parent to see their child eating little. The main reason for seeking medical advice is when it affects the child's growth. You should not hesitate to seek advice if you notice that your child is not growing or gaining weight.
In some extreme cases, food neophobia can develop into more serious cases of eating disorders in adolescence (anorexia, bulimia, etc.). Similarly, do not hesitate to consult a doctor if you notice something abnormal in your child.
In most cases, there is no need to worry. You have to be patient and accept that your child will eat little for a while. Everything should soon return to normal 🙂
Have you experienced this with one of your children? Tell us about it in the comments!