Children have a wide range of dislikes from an early age. Their tastes and preferences evolve as they grow older and are influenced by many factors including personality, gender, culture, parenting style and more. Understanding what kids don’t like can help parents and caregivers make better choices about food, activities, toys and more to create a happier childhood.
Foods
Many children go through phases of being picky eaters. They often dislike foods that are bitter, sour or have strong flavors. Some foods that kids commonly dislike include:
- Vegetables – especially green vegetables like spinach, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, etc.
- Fruits – citrus fruits, berries, pineapple, mango
- Protein foods – eggs, meat, fish, beans
- Dairy – milk, plain yogurt, cheese
- Grains – brown rice, whole grain bread
- Spicy foods
Younger children tend to be more sensitive to taste and texture. They often reject crunchy foods, mixed textures, sauces or foods that are “slimy.” Fussy eating peaks between ages 2-6 years then gradually improves with age. Girls tend to be pickier eaters than boys.
Reasons Kids Dislike Certain Foods
There are several reasons why children may dislike certain foods:
- Innate preferences – we are born liking sweet and salty flavors, disliking bitter or sour.
- Taste buds – kids have more taste buds so flavors may be too intense.
- Texture issues – fussy about lumps, sliminess, mixed textures.
- Narrow food experiences – unwilling to try new foods (neophobia).
- Associations – link the food with a past negative experience.
- Distractions – easily distracted from eating by toys, TV, etc.
With patience and persistence, parents can help kids overcome picky eating by making mealtimes pleasant, offering new foods frequently, being good role models and avoiding force or bribery.
Chores
Household responsibilities like chores are an important part of growing up. But many kids are reluctant to help out and dislike chores. Some reasons kids don’t like chores:
- They seem boring, tedious or repetitive.
- Chores infringe on play time.
- Children don’t understand the importance.
- They struggle with the task’s demands (e.g. cleaning thoroughly).
- Children lack motivation or incentives to do chores.
Research shows that assigning appropriate chores at a young age helps kids gain important life skills and a sense of responsibility. But parents need to make chores age-appropriate and provide support to set kids up for success.
Tips for Getting Kids to Help with Chores
- Start young – assign small, simple chores around age 2.
- Use chore charts – track chores with stickers or points towards rewards.
- Praise efforts – provide positive feedback when chores are done.
- Do chores together – set a good example and make it fun.
- Schedule chore time – integrate chores into daily/weekly routine.
- Link to allowances – provide small allowance for completed chores.
With creativity and patience, parents can get kids doing chores without resistance.
Reading
In today’s digital age, many kids would rather pick up an iPad than a book. Parents often have to encourage children to read for pleasure. Here are some reasons kids dislike reading:
- Prefer electronics and gaming to books.
- Have trouble sitting still or paying attention to books.
- Don’t enjoy the reading assigned in school.
- Find reading or certain books boring.
- Have a learning disability like dyslexia that makes reading challenging.
- Don’t see themselves as “readers” and lack motivation.
Creating positive reading habits early is key to raising enthusiastic readers. Parents play an important role in cultivating a love of reading through their own actions and encouragement.
Tips to Get Kids to Enjoy Reading More
- Read aloud together starting at a young age – make it interactive and fun.
- Let children select books based on their own interests – gives them a sense of control.
- Find alternatives like audiobooks if reading is difficult.
- Be a reading role model – let kids see you reading for pleasure.
- Set aside daily device-free reading time.
- Join library storytimes and reading programs.
- Give books instead of toys as presents.
With time and encouragement, reading can become an everyday joy rather than a chore.
Messy Play
Children learn through play, but they don’t always like the mess that creative play can make. Certain types of messy sensory play that kids may dislike include:
- Finger painting
- Play dough
- Sand, dirt or mud
- Arts and crafts
- Water play
Messy play can be unappealing to kids who:
- Prefer organized activities and toys.
- Don’t enjoy the tactile sensation of mess on their skin.
- Have texture aversions related to sensory processing disorder.
- Dislike the cleanup required after messy playtime.
But research shows the benefits of sensory play for cognitive, motor skills and creativity. Parents can encourage reluctant kids by:
- Wearing old clothes or smocks
- Setting up stations outside
- Finding sensory tools like squirt bottles
- Joining in and having fun together!
It may take time, but letting go of inhibitions and getting messy is important for child development.
Chores Data
| Age | Recommended Chores |
|---|---|
| 2-3 years | Put toys away, wipe up spills, put clothes in hamper, sort socks |
| 4-5 years | Simple cleaning tasks like dusting, folding laundry, feeding pets |
| 6-7 years | Make bed, clean room, set table, water plants, take out trash |
| 8-10 years | Sweep, mop, vacuum, do dishes, clean bathroom, weed garden |
| 11-12 years | Clean gutters, wash car, mow lawn, fold laundry, pack lunches |
Picky Eating Data
| Age | % Picky Eaters |
|---|---|
| 2-6 years | 50% |
| 7-12 years | 25% |
| 13-18 years | 15% |
Conclusion
Children’s dislike of certain foods, activities and responsibilities is a common challenge for parents. With understanding of root causes and using creative encouragement, parents can guide children towards broader tastes, more responsibility and enjoyment of new experiences. What’s most important is creating a nurturing environment where kids feel safe to explore and learn even when it takes them out of their comfort zone.