Your Kid is Obsessed with Sweets? I got you.
Remy (2) with a HUGE lollipop (he only had a few licks before putting it down… want that for your kiddo?)
Helping Kids Self-Regulate Around Sweets: Why It's Important & How to Do It Right
As parents, we all want our kids to grow up healthy and have a balanced relationship with food. But when it comes to sweets and treats, it can feel like we're navigating a minefield. Candy is often demonized, and we’ve been conditioned to believe that the best way to keep our kids healthy is to control their intake of sugary foods. But here’s the problem: when we try to tightly manage what, when, and how much our kids eat, it often backfires.
Common Pain Points Around Sweets & Treats
We Want to Keep Our Kids Healthy: Many parents worry that if they allow their kids to have candy, it will lead to unhealthy eating habits and health issues. But in trying to protect their health, we may inadvertently be setting them up for bigger struggles.
Candy Is Demonized: Society often labels candy and sweets as "bad," creating a sense of guilt and shame around eating them. This can make kids even more interested in these foods.
We Try to Control Their Intake: It can be tempting to limit how much candy our kids can have or only allow it on special occasions. But when we try to control their access, kids might feel the need to sneak treats or overeat when they finally get the chance.
The Control Tactic Backfires: Imagine trying to control what your child eats until they are 18. What would happen when they’re finally out on their own? Many kids who grow up with strict food rules may struggle with feeling out of control around sweets. They might binge, sneak treats, or develop an unhealthy relationship with food.
Why Teaching Self-Regulation Matters
Kids are naturally curious and have an innate ability to self-regulate. But when certain foods are restricted or presented as forbidden, it can lead to increased cravings and preoccupation with those foods. If we want to raise kids who can eat sweets without feeling out of control, we need to take a different approach.
Imagine a future where your child can comfortably enjoy a piece of candy without guilt, sneakiness, or an overwhelming urge to eat as much as possible. It’s possible to build this kind of healthy relationship with food, but it starts with changing how we approach sweets today.
The Solution: Allowing Kids to Learn Self-Regulation
The key to helping kids learn self-regulation around sweets is to create an environment that encourages balance and reduces the power sweets hold over them. Here’s how:
Habituation: Allowing kids to have sweets regularly can help them lose the “forbidden fruit” appeal. When they know they have access to treats, they won’t feel the need to overindulge when they get the chance.
Unlimited Access Moments: This might sound counterintuitive, but there are times when allowing unlimited access to sweets can be beneficial. It helps kids understand that they can enjoy these foods without the pressure of scarcity.
Neutral Language: How we talk about food matters. Using neutral language around sweets (e.g., “We’re having cookies for dessert!” instead of “Don’t eat too many cookies!”) can prevent children from feeling like they’re doing something wrong by enjoying them.
These methods set children up to naturally learn how to regulate their intake without feeling controlled, restricted, or overly focused on certain foods. They empower kids to listen to their bodies and decide what feels good for them.
Ready to Make This Change? Join My 'Mastering Sweets & Treats' Course
I know these concepts might feel overwhelming, and implementing them can be a challenge. That’s why I created the 'Mastering Sweets and Treats' course, designed to give you a step-by-step guide on how to help your kids self-regulate around sweets.
In this 30-minute training, you'll learn:
How often to offer sweet treats in your home
When and why to allow unlimited access to certain foods
The right language to use around sweets to prevent food obsession and guilt
Real-life examples of how this approach can transform mealtimes
For just $17, you can gain peace of mind, knowing you’re setting your kids up for a healthy relationship with food that will last a lifetime. 🎉
Ready to get started? Click here to join the course!