Parents of neophobes. Any coping strategies?

[Lio]

I'm reasonably patient, but it's sometimes hard not be frustrated with ds (3.4) who won't try different food, experiences, places, people etc. I don't want him to be unhappy, but on the other hand if he doesn't lose some of this fear it'll be quite limiting (for us as well as him). How do others bear pushing their child? Once he's really crying it's hard to see any benefit in contuing the coersion (sp?).

Bump for the evening crowd.

Ds1 went through a very long phase like this - I didn't know it was a phase at the time, as he had always been that way - and still is a bit sometimes. At that age it seemed to me to be reasonable not to bombard him with new experiences, nor to make him suspicious of familiar ones by always bringing something new in just when he's feeling secure. But I made sure to try new things, teeny bit by teeny bit. Eg, in this house the rule is thta I won't give anyone something to eat that I know they don't like, but if I give them something new they are expected to taste it. They don't have to eat it, even if they do like it. And if I do give them something new, then it will be just a very small amount.

Far better that he trust you and have confidence in you, than that he be permanently worried about what's going to be asked of him next. He can always learn to be more confident later on. You need to give him a good foundation now.

who knew it had a name?

think PC's advice, and strategy for food is spot on personally

I'd remember that he's little and the difference between a 3 year old and say a 6 year old is vast in terms of the personality they develop IME .. ie my calm, quiet, reserved and fairly placid 3 year old is a garrulous 6 year old who actually doesn't know how to be quiet and is happy to talk to anybody with confidence

I don't see any benefit in trying too hard at this early stage .. life will open him up to experiences as long as he has a background of confidence

I thank you. In return, have a look at your Otex thread.

Thank you for lovely advice, sorry I disappeared last night, I usually try to say thank you a bit sooner

Twiglett, as far as I know it is a made-up word