Focus on repeated exposure without pressure: It often takes many exposures, sometimes 15 or more, and occasionally even higher, for a child to accept a new food. When children feel no obligation to eat the food, they are more likely to explore it on their own terms over time. This low-pressure, repeated exposure approach helps reduce mealtime stress, builds familiarity, and gradually increases the likelihood that a child will eventually accept, and even enjoy, the new food. The bottom line: Raising adventurous eaters is less about getting immediate results and more about creating a calm, predictable food environment where exploration feels safe. Over time, repeated exposure, familiar pairings, and positive mealtime experiences help children build a more flexible and confident relationship with food that lasts well beyond childhood.