What is exposure and why does it matter?

How many times does a child need to be exposed to a new food before accepting it? 5, 10 or maybe 50?

Praising our children for eating something new or green comes naturally. Perhaps you clap, say “well done, good boy for trying?”, give him a big smile, a new sticker or a pudding at the end of the meal. Some schools and nurseries reward kids with stickers saying “I ate all my lunch today”.

This post is about sensory issues and about how to help your child overcome them.

Do you fret over every meal you make, wondering if it's all going to end up in the bin, or if by some miracle, your children will decide it's worth eating?

Are you a foodie? Or maybe a nutrition enthusiast? Do you care a lot about the food you serve? Perhaps you want your kids to appreciate that ‘we are what we eat’?

I’m sure that health is important to you but it’s probably not (yet) for your children. Most kids are interested in satisfying eating experiences, not nutritional value or the food itself.

Nowadays, there is enormous pressure on parents to feed children nutritiously. Kids sense the pressure and get that mealtime is something parents really care about. The power struggle begins...

All respectable health organizations agree that the consumption of TOO MUCH sugar can lead to certain health problems. There is no doubt about it. But I believe the best way to help your child build a healthy relationship with sugar is through understanding what it is, why children crave it and by teaching them that the sweet flavour is just one of many and it can and should be enjoyed as much as any other. with an idea.