Trying versus liking fruits and vegetables: correspondence between mothers and preschoolers

Extensive research indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (F&V) protects against numerous illnesses in adulthood, but that most individuals, including children, consume far fewer F&V per day than is recommended. Since evidence suggests that eating habits in childhood track into adulthood, more research is necessary to learn about how parental F&V intake and opportunities influence child F&V consumption. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mothers' F&V preferences and those of their preschool-age children to determine if greater maternal "liking" of fruits and vegetables was associated with their reports of their children's "trying" more fruits and vegetables. Eighty-three mothers completed a questionnaire that assessed whether they and their preschoolers had tried or liked a variety of F&V. Mothers liked 86% of the fruits they tried, girls 76%, and boys 69%. Mothers liked 81% of the vegetables they tried; boys and girls liked 55%. Mothers' likes correlated with F&V that their children tried, but mothers' likes also limited the number of F&V that their children tried. Mothers reported preferences for F&V are associated with estimates of their preschoolers' preferences for F&V. Relative to girls, boys may need additional opportunities for F&V exposure.