Well, since I'm a picky eater myself, I think it's because when a kid is very young, you feed them a certain kind of food regularly, rather than a variety of foods.

There is many reasons. Not being fed a variety of foods is a large one. As well, if a kid doesn't like a particular food they will be picky against it. Some reasons to not like it include peer pressure (ex. being told by friends that brocolli is gross), being sick when you eat it (ex. I was physically sick after eating thousand island dressing once and now i cant even smell it), and being FORCED to eat it, like being told you cannot leave the table until it is finished, and having to sit there crying, eating something you dont want to eat. (ex. why I don't eat pork, and my husband doesnt eat tomatoes). Also, bodily reaction to certain foods. If a child is lactose intolerant, they will much prefer to drink water, juice, or soda, rather than milk, as soon as they realise that its milk that makes them sick. Also if they have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) they will avoid some foods to avoid the effects. I developed IBS when i was 10 and refused to eat fresh fruits or veggies, drink alot of juice, drink ice water, drink milk, eat dairy products, greasy foods, or drink alot of soda. I basically lived on sandwiches and water. My parents thought i was nuts but never took me to a doctor to find out if there was a reason. I've only known the reason for a year now, and with a knowledge of how much of what i can eat, im eating alot of foods ive wanted to but couldnt before.

The other answers are good ones but I have to add to it. I am assuming that the problem has some basis in the vegetable category. If it doesn't; forgive the assumption. when very young children are fed mostly unhealthy foods, i.e. french fries are their favorite veggies, you have begun creating a monster. Once in a while is fine, but making it a habit makes it stick for life. Children should begin with a variety of healthy vegetables, veggie baby foods, then finger-fun veggies such as steamed and cooled fresh green beans. Hold off on your impulses to feed them lots of fruit and sweet snacks. In moderation it's fine but in excess- The sugars aren't very good for them and they will develop a taste for sweeter items, thereby turning from the veggies. When they are at the age of refusal which varies from child to child, don't force them to eat and don't punish them for not eating something.Punishment and force will only deepen their hatred for that particular food. Just let them know you love them and make sure you eat your veggies and such too so they see that it is a good thing. Mimicry is the best way for children, especially younger ones, to learn about the world around them. Keep an eye on your kids, if anything makes them sick, don't panic, just don't make them eat it; ask the doctor the next time you visit to see if you can find a reason why. Children can have strange food allergies or IBS and it may make them feel bad to eat certain things. i.e. My dad used to have an allergy to chlorophyll (the chemical that makes veggies green!) Also smell is your strongest sense. Make the veggies smell good and convince your child it smells yummy. I once smelled bad mayonnaise and now if I even get the smallest scent of mayonnaise I get very ill! I hope this helps!

The answer is very simple. No one needs to go into detail about this infact. Children are often picky eaters when they are not fed a variety or healthy foods when they are younger. It's easier to make something they like more, right? Parents often get lazy at these points and tend to make a habit of giving them these food -- hamburgers, hotdogs, french fries, etc. Now you may say that for sometime, you have been giving your child healthy food, but if they say that they don't like what they are eating and you don't make them eat it, well then, they are going to be picky eaters. When i was a child, i was not picky nor am i now -- actually, im more picky with the foods that are UNhealthy. I was rarely given hamburgers, pop or any of those kinds of foods, where, my younger brother who is many, many years younger than i was fed many healthy foods, however, the other foods were more readily available. Easier to make, more convenient...my mother who had already been mother of 3 children took advantage of letting him eat what ever he wanted because it was easier on her. She has just recently been pushing him to eat healthier foods but his habit is inplace and his diet consists of ketchup, chicken nuggets, fries, etc. Surely this habit will never end until she MAKES him eat healthier whether he likes it or not. Now, all this may sound a bit harsh but it benefitting your child. Well, that was more of an explanation and a solutions but it's nessessary to explain both. hope this has been a help.

Our 4 year old son's favorite 2 foods are french fries and broccoli so I'm not much of a firm believer that it's not from feeding a child a big enough range. What we've done, with both of our sons, since they were old enough to understand, is to simply have them TRY any food we set in front of them with the knowledge that ALL they have to do is try it, if they don't like it, they don't have to eat it...but they do at least have to try it. I think with them knowing there's an "out" makes it easier for them to try. We have 2 children that like the craziest foods for kids because of this...they love sushi, ALL vegetables, our 4 year old is a spicy food junkie, they love all fruits, conch, etc. Just let them know they have that "out" option if they don't like it. We also never "paid" or "rewarded" them for eating. "What do I get if I eat all of my dinner?". Our answer to that question was "The satisifaction of a full stomach".

Picky food.

I don't think it has anything to do with not being fed a variety of food. My mother fed me EVERYTHING but I'm still a picky eater. I don't like meat, and more impportantly I don't believe in eating it but my mother always made meat for me was I was very young. I don't like certain types of letuce, or certain kinds of apples (I only like the redish pink ones). I think it just has to do with the persons taste and/or likes and dislikes.

I think kids become picky eaters when parents cater too much to their demands. For example, planning meals around their preferences instead of for the whole family, or giving in to their cravings all the time. Children need to be treated just like everyone else so they can learn how to be healthy individuals who are not afraid of trying new things.

I have a child who is 7 years old, and he has not even tasted any type of food as yet. He live on biltong. all types of nuts, mealies, cakes, biscuits and lots of crisps. I am trying for the past 7 years to try and feed him, unfortunately he throws up when forced. I have taken him to different doctors and they say that he is a picky eater. Please help me

Junk food..allergies..being spoilt..certain taste!!