This is a very interesting topic and research question. I feel richer for having the opportunity to read your piece and reflect over how we got to this point where “kid’s food” is so normalized. I’ve never really examined why this is a unique phenomena to western culture until now. Thank you!

I remember recoiling in horror when a friend (we were both in the first grade at the time) told me she only ate buttered noodles for dinner. My mom let us indulge in Mac & cheese, happy meals, and lunchables every so often as treats, but we mostly ate whatever the adults in our family were eating. And as a result, my now grown brother and I have well developed palates and enjoy cooking.