Glossary · Behavior

Food jag

A phase where a child eats only one or two foods, often for days or weeks, then abruptly drops them. Common between ages 2 and 5. Counter-strategies: keep offering variety alongside the favored food; do not over-serve the favored food.

Related terms

Picky eater
Food neophobia
Repeated exposure
Division of responsibility
Choking hazard (food)
Responsive feeding

Miriel uses this concept across food scans, meal plans, and AI Coach responses where it is relevant to a child's profile. For the underlying clinical and scientific basis, see the research page.