Why can't kids have food preferences?

As adults, we are allowed food preferences, so why not our kids? There’s this pressure, expectation even, that our child must try every. single. food…but this is highly unrealistic. Even more unlikely when we add pressure (unintentional) into the mix. 

I was reassured in the early years by a registered dietitian that kids don’t need to eat every single available food to meet their nutritional needs, so if your child can’t stand courgettes or quinoa, you are doing ok!

If you have regularly exposed your child to certain food over a long time and they still won’t touch it, is it time to accept their dislike for this food, but still continue to serve it so they get the exposure as you never know?  

What food would you love your child to try? 

For me, it’s still mash!