Trying versus Liking Fruits and Vegetables: Correspondence between Mothers and Preschoolers

Extensive research indicates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables (FV) protects against numerous illnesses in adulthood, but that most individuals, including children, consume far fewer FV 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 FV intake and opportunities influence child FV consumption. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between mothers' FV preferences and those of their preschool-age children to determine if greater maternal olikingo of fruits and vegetables was associated with their reports of their children's otryingo more fruits and vegetables. Eighty-three mothers completed a questionnaire that assessed whether they and their preschoolers had tried or liked a variety of FV. 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 FV that their children tried, but mothers' likes also limited the number of FV that their children tried. Mothers reported preferences for FV are associated with estimates of their preschoolers' preferences for FV. Relative to girls, boys may need additional opportunities for FV exposure.