Many children develop an almost slavish obsession with sweets, and while they’re okay in moderation, they are definitely not healthy. You also want to ensure that your child does not develop any bad food associations, by craving ‘forbidden’ foods, and that he doesn’t develop a lifelong bad habit. Here are a few ways to do just that.
According to the experts, one sweet treat per day is all your child should be getting. That means one or two sweets, a cookie or a small portion of ice-cream. Sweet treats should replace a snack, and they should ideally be given in the afternoon.
Your child may whine for more, at first, however, being consistent is key. So don’t give in!
Desserts should be treated as an ordinary part of the day – not something that’s more important than the meal itself! Try to make them healthier, so that if your child does not finish dinner, at least he or she will eat some fruit after wards.
Try to do your grocery shopping after meals, as this is usually when you’ll impulse buy snacks. You should also opt for healthier snacks and treats, like crackers.
Avoid having too many sweets, biscuits and ice cream in your home, and rather opt for healthy choices, like dried fruit, fresh fruit, yogurt, smoothies or sweet whole-wheat crackers.
According to the experts, one sweet treat per day is all your child should be getting. That means one or two sweets, a cookie or a small portion of ice-cream. Sweet treats should replace a snack, and they should ideally be given in the afternoon.
Your child may whine for more, at first, however, being consistent is key. So don’t give in!
Desserts should be treated as an ordinary part of the day – not something that’s more important than the meal itself! Try to make them healthier, so that if your child does not finish dinner, at least he or she will eat some fruit after wards.
Try to do your grocery shopping after meals, as this is usually when you’ll impulse buy snacks. You should also opt for healthier snacks and treats, like crackers.
Avoid having too many sweets, biscuits and ice cream in your home, and rather opt for healthy choices, like dried fruit, fresh fruit, yogurt, smoothies or sweet whole-wheat crackers.
