Do your children refuse to try new foods? Tis is normal but can be frustrating for parents. Even though children commonly reject new foods, parents should not stop offering them. Children need a wide variety of foods to be well nourished, so it is important they learn to eat them. 

Kids learn about new foods just by looking at them, smelling them and touching them. You might want to introduce your child to a new food before it's cooked. 

If adults continue to serve new foods in a positive way, children will usually learn to like them.  But it may take 10 attempts or more. Do not force them to eat, not even just “one little bite.”   If they know they can try it when they are ready, they will be more open to it.

Here are some things parents can do to help:

• Eat together as a family so children can see parents and other family members eating and enjoying the food.
• Let children help prepare the food.
• Offer new foods when your child is hungry and is not tired.
• Let your child look at the food and touch it—that's how they learn about new things.
• Offer the new food again in a couple days.  It may take awhile, but eventually your child will start eating the new food. 
• Don't give up.

The important thing is to keep serving the food for the family to enjoy.   One day your children will surprise you and begin eating the food as if they always have.