And, according to Dr. Paul Rozin, a psychologist at the University of Pennsylvania, fatty foods such as ice cream have a smooth texture that children like because it feels good on their tongues. Young Rebels Recent studies, including those conducted by Birch and her Penn State colleagues, show that environmental and social influences also play a large part in a child's food preferences. A major influence on a child's eating habits is peer pressure. In her studies, Birch places a child who does not like peas but eats corn next to one who eats peas but not corn for a series of lunches. By the end of one week, the two are eating and enjoying both foods equally.
Kids tend to eat like other kids.
Then he or she goes on the roller coaster and gets sick from the ride. But, as Birch acknowledges, the child will never know either way unless he or she tries it first. While new foods are initially rejected, after five to 10 exposures many will be accepted. Pair a new food with a taste the child already likes. Sweeten bitter grapefruit juice with sugar and, in time, the child will associate the juice with sugar's sweet taste and will drink it on its own.