We had a friend come over to visit this week. She brought some ice cream and cones with her as a treat for the kids. She jokingly apologized for "poisoning" the kids with junk food.
I assured her that I did not mind a bit.
The game plan at our house is: kids are for spoilin' by everyone else.....and trainin' by parents.
I do not deny my children treats that other folks want to give them. These items are usually random and temporary, which is what makes them a "treat" in the first place. The fact that such treats usually contain sugar is added fun for the kids.
So, when the receptionist at the doctor's office asked if she could give the kids a heart lollipop last month, I said yes. She made a point to tell me that she always asks the parents first, in case they do not approve. I offered that some families may have allergy issues to deal with, so it is wise to ask first, but I do not object to treats for my kids.
I say the same thing to Nana, who always asks before giving the kids candy. That is a grandmother's privilege. It brings joy to the kids and grandparents both. I think it is fun. I am so thankful that our children's grandmothers are so loving and involved in their lives. I would not risk that blessing in the name of healthy eating.
I serve healthy meals at home. I teach and train my kids about nutrition, hygiene, and making good choices for our health. That is my job as a parent.
I do not think it is necessary to limit random sweet treats from grandparents, friends, or receptionists and clerks at businesses we frequent. I personally love seeing other people enjoy my children to the point that they want to give them a treat. Children should be enjoyed.
My only boundary is in the first few months of infancy. Our children begin their lives exclusively on breastmilk, until their digestive systems have time to develop completely (which is around age 2-3 months). Introducing solids before 2-3 months of age can lead to bleeding and ulcers in an undeveloped digested system. I initially introduce solids slowly, around 4 months old (depending on the child's signs of readiness), along with careful observation as to how their bodies are managing.
Granny (my Mom) loves to feed babies pudding. She respectfully waits until I give the go-ahead before she feeds our children anything as babies. As soon as I am confident that they are handling solid foods without pain or problems, we turn Granny loose!
Granny loves to watch the facial expressions of her grandbabies when she is feeding them. That seems to be a universal enjoyment. Many older adults seem to take pleasure in the smiles and messy faces that result from giving the kids sweet treats.
It seems to me that a little sand from the sandbox, a little sugar, and healthy meals from Mom make a well-rounded nutritional menu for childhood.
I assured her that I did not mind a bit.
The game plan at our house is: kids are for spoilin' by everyone else.....and trainin' by parents.
I do not deny my children treats that other folks want to give them. These items are usually random and temporary, which is what makes them a "treat" in the first place. The fact that such treats usually contain sugar is added fun for the kids.
So, when the receptionist at the doctor's office asked if she could give the kids a heart lollipop last month, I said yes. She made a point to tell me that she always asks the parents first, in case they do not approve. I offered that some families may have allergy issues to deal with, so it is wise to ask first, but I do not object to treats for my kids.
I say the same thing to Nana, who always asks before giving the kids candy. That is a grandmother's privilege. It brings joy to the kids and grandparents both. I think it is fun. I am so thankful that our children's grandmothers are so loving and involved in their lives. I would not risk that blessing in the name of healthy eating.
I serve healthy meals at home. I teach and train my kids about nutrition, hygiene, and making good choices for our health. That is my job as a parent.
I do not think it is necessary to limit random sweet treats from grandparents, friends, or receptionists and clerks at businesses we frequent. I personally love seeing other people enjoy my children to the point that they want to give them a treat. Children should be enjoyed.
My only boundary is in the first few months of infancy. Our children begin their lives exclusively on breastmilk, until their digestive systems have time to develop completely (which is around age 2-3 months). Introducing solids before 2-3 months of age can lead to bleeding and ulcers in an undeveloped digested system. I initially introduce solids slowly, around 4 months old (depending on the child's signs of readiness), along with careful observation as to how their bodies are managing.
Granny (my Mom) loves to feed babies pudding. She respectfully waits until I give the go-ahead before she feeds our children anything as babies. As soon as I am confident that they are handling solid foods without pain or problems, we turn Granny loose!
Granny loves to watch the facial expressions of her grandbabies when she is feeding them. That seems to be a universal enjoyment. Many older adults seem to take pleasure in the smiles and messy faces that result from giving the kids sweet treats.
It seems to me that a little sand from the sandbox, a little sugar, and healthy meals from Mom make a well-rounded nutritional menu for childhood.
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