Dislikes most mixed food dishes and gravies. By age 5, often has fewer demands and will accept food available. Appetite is gradually increasing. Many parents have observed that children are strongly influenced by what they see and hear on television. They will ask for the heavily sugared products that are predominant in advertising directed towards children.
Young children believe what they see and hear on television.
They do not distinguish between advertising, entertainment, and factual information. Parents usually find it very difficult to counteract advertisements that appeal to a child's natural desire for sweets and the natural desire to have fun and enjoy the products promoted. Another growing concern is the nutritional effect of frequent eating at fast-food restaurants. The more frequently a child eats out, the more important it is that the choices be well-balanced, nutritious ones. More and more children are being cared for regularly by babysitters and day care providers.