Avoid Food Fights and Power Struggles Children are quick to learn how much power they have when it comes to food. While well intended, trying to coerce a child to eat various foods may be making an issue of something that is best left a nonissue. Children are responsible for how much and even whether they eat. By keeping these mealtime responsibilities in mind, you are less likely to become frustrated over what is eaten or not eaten. Everyone has food likes and dislikes.
Children are no different.
Since their taste preferences are continually expanding and changing, new foods should be introduced and reintroduced. If they try it and do not like it, then they should not have to eat it. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to foods greatly increases the likelihood a child will eat it. Some experts feel a new food has to be offered at least 18 times. Try serving the food prepared in different ways, and offer it once or twice a week.