Please feel free to feed my kids.....as long as it doesnt have sugar in it.

Tombo2001

It seems there is no shortage of people out there who will randomly and out of the blue produce lollipops, biscuits, chocolate, yoghurts, fizzy orange, fizz bombs or whatever it is for the kids to eat.

I'll be on the bus, and some old dear will take a packet of jellies our of her bag and start waving them. We'll be in the butchers and he will throw a lollipop at them. We'll visit a grand-uncle and it will be a choice of ice-cream, coffee cake, 6 month old ginger snaps or TK lemonade.

For a long time, I was patient enough with this as quite clearly, they are only trying to be nice.

But it is just pissing me off more and more - why?

Number 1: It is hard enough to get kids to eat their dinner of potato, chicken and carrot......but if they have a belly full of ice cream then its simply not possible.
Number 2: Random stranger or kind relative doesnt have to deal with tantrum two hours later when kids have sugar rush and empty stomach.
Number 3: Any fool can win favour with a kid by giving them a packet of jellies...it requires no effort.....what are you proving?
Number 4: Sugar is bad for kids. Why are you giving it to them, especially when they are not asking for it.
Number 5: A child who isnt crying will pretty damny sure start crying if I tell them they cant have that chocolate kimberly you are waving in their face.
Number 6: Myself and my wife are the ones who wake up in the middle of the night when they are crying, who run around like blue arsed flies in the morning to get them dressed and fed, who devote all our energies to entertaining them, educating them, feeding them, clothing them. Treat time is a nice time for parents to have with their kids. But they can only have so many treats in a day. Why are you denying me this?

If you want to feed my kids without asking me first.....thats fine, as long as its a leaf of lettuce, a sprig of broccoli, a slice of tomato. Knock yourself out.

Sorry for rant folks. Long weekend.

Plates

Must be great craic in your house. I can (kind of) see where you're coming from - but maybe you need to ask yourself questions if you can't say "no" to your kids when these evil sugar laden treats are offered to them.

Tombo2001

Plates wrote: »

Must be great craic in your house. I can (kind of) see where you're coming from - but maybe you need to ask yourself questions if you can't say "no" to your kids when these evil sugar laden treats are offered to them.

It is great craic in my house, good observation.

As a rule of thumb, I don't call other people's parenting abilities into question, and by extension I dont particulary feel the need to answer someone who questions my own.

Plates

Tombo2001 wrote: »

As a rule of thumb, I don't call other people's parenting abilities into question, and by extension I dont particulary feel the need to answer someone who questions my own.

So were you looking for feedback - or just venting? The world is full of opinions - and mine is but one of them. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who will disagree with both of us.

You can't control the number of people who will offer treats to your kids - but you can control how you deal with it.

Ash.J.Williams

Tombo2001 wrote: »

It is great craic in my house, good observation.

As a rule of thumb, I don't call other people's parenting abilities into question, and by extension I dont particulary feel the need to answer someone who questions my own.

take the sweets and put them in the motha fo**in sweet jar for treat time...

LeinsterDub

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Number 1: It is hard enough to get kids to eat their dinner of potato, chicken and carrot......but if they have a belly full of ice cream then its simply not possible.
Number 2: Random stranger or kind relative doesnt have to deal with tantrum two hours later when kids have sugar rush and empty stomach.
.

Sugar rush is a myth http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2747/does-giving-sweets-to-kids-produce-a-sugar-rush

There is a difference between a Jelly and so much ice cream they can't eat their dinner

puffishoes

I have to admit. I don't really see an issue here.

if your child is used to not eating sweets before dinner or only on weekends or once a month or whatever it is you permit. i don't see why the local butcher offering a lolly should effect this?

You thank the butcher for their kindness and friendly customer service and the child has the lolly at the normal time they're allowed to have sweets?

Kindness should never be seen in a negative light.

Call me Al

When this happens with my two they are allowed to accept, acknowledging the graciousness with which they were offered. If it won't impact the next meal, they can have the treat then. If it will impact the next meal then I put it away until treat time. They are 5 & 3 and can desl with it without having a complete meltdown. People are trying to be kind..... Not curry favour with your little ones.

pwurple

Tombo2001 wrote: »

a leaf of lettuce, a sprig of broccoli, a slice of tomato.

All these contain sugars as well, in case you thought they were sugar-free. Glucose, fructose and sucrose content can be quantified.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.919/abstract

RedXIV

pwurple wrote: »

All these contain sugars as well, in case you thought they were sugar-free. Glucose, fructose and sucrose content can be quantified.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.919/abstract

Was gonna say this, what do you do if they offer a bit of orange for example, my 2yr old would sell me twice over to get her hands on an orange

Zillah

Most of the replies here were pre-emptively addressed by the original post, making them pretty stupid.

Plates wrote: »

Must be great craic in your house. I can (kind of) see where you're coming from - but maybe you need to ask yourself questions if you can't say "no" to your kids when these evil sugar laden treats are offered to them.

Ash.J.Williams wrote: »

take the sweets and put them in the motha fo**in sweet jar for treat time...

puffishoes wrote: »

You thank the butcher for their kindness and friendly customer service and the child has the lolly at the normal time they're allowed to have sweets?

All of the above were addressed with:

Number 5: A child who isnt crying will pretty damny sure start crying if I tell them they cant have that chocolate kimberly you are waving in their face.

If you think a child will be perfectly happy with delayed gratification then I think you're misunderstanding one of the fundamental differences between adults and children.

puffishoes wrote: »

Kindness should never be seen in a negative light.

Sure it can. Kindness can be stupid, intrusive and unhelpful. The intention is nice but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem. We as a culture have a terrible attitude towards sugar, it's very bad for you and shouldn't even be set up as a "reward" or treat - avoiding exposure to it as much as possible is a very healthy attitude, and I can see how having people shoving it in their faces on a daily basis could be aggravating.

pwurple wrote: »

All these contain sugars as well, in case you thought they were sugar-free. Glucose, fructose and sucrose content can be quantified.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.919/abstract

They contain trivial amounts of sugars, along with significant fibre and vitamins - they don't compare.

Plates

Zillah wrote: »

If you think a child will be perfectly happy with delayed gratification then I think you're misunderstanding one of the fundamental differences between adults and children.

Not all children will be happy - but the ones who been taught that there is a time and a place for "treats" will be.

haulagebasher

In addition to the risks outline above, there is absolutely no telling what is in whatever they are giving them. Looks like jellies/whatever - could be anything really. Also even if they are real sweets who says that the oul fella or whatever even washes his hands. The food could also could be gone off and dangerous.If any stranger tried to feed my child I would be raging at them.

MillieJ

It's funny but so true! looks like most old people just want to feed their grandchildren and other children as well.
It's not like obesity is spreading or anything... ;\

Call me Al

MillieJ wrote: »

It's funny but so true! looks like most old people just want to feed their grandchildren and other children as well.
It's not like obesity is spreading or anything... ;\

Well if your (not yours specifically!) child is obese you've only got yourself to blame.
Parents should be in full control of what is served on their plates.

puffishoes

Zillah wrote: »

If you think a child will be perfectly happy with delayed gratification then I think you're misunderstanding one of the fundamental differences between adults and children.

When the child is used to never having sweets until after dinner or until it's Saturday or whatever it is shouldn't be an issue, if it is an issue this is a parental issue that needs to be addressed not a dodgey butcher.

Zillah wrote: »

Sure it can. Kindness can be stupid, intrusive and unhelpful. The intention is nice but that doesn't mean it isn't a problem. We as a culture have a terrible attitude towards sugar, it's very bad for you and shouldn't even be set up as a "reward" or treat - avoiding exposure to it as much as possible is a very healthy attitude, and I can see how having people shoving it in their faces on a daily basis could be aggravating.

I don't think so. a healthy attitude would be a balanced one where we understand that sugar in moderation isn't that big of an issue. A healthy attitude is not accusing your butcher of been stupid, intrusive and unhelpful because one has issues controlling their childs diet.

If it's a local butcher that you visit regularly go in without your child on occassion and advise them you would appreciate them not offer your child the sweet in future. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to oblige.

Squiggler

Teach your children to say "No thank you"?

Explain to them (at home) that they shouldn't accept food from strangers?

Nicely explain to the stranger that you would prefer that your child didn't have those sweets/that lollipop or whatever?

At the end of the day they are your children and you should stand up for your right to do what you believe is best for them.

My parents made sure we had plenty of healthy snacks to hand so we were rarely ever even tempted by offers of sugary rubbish. To this day I'd prefer a nice piece of cheese or fruit over a biscuit or cake every time!

puffishoes

haulagebasher wrote: »

In addition to the risks outline above, there is absolutely no telling what is in whatever they are giving them. Looks like jellies/whatever - could be anything really. Also even if they are real sweets who says that the oul fella or whatever even washes his hands. The food could also could be gone off and dangerous.If any stranger tried to feed my child I would be raging at them.

if in this case the butcher doesn't wash his hands, you have a lot more problems than the lollypop, he's probably going to give your familiy food poinsing.

what over the top nonsense.

Mike87

Zillah wrote: »

Most of the replies here were pre-emptively addressed by the original post, making them pretty stupid.

They contain trivial amounts of sugars, along with significant fibre and vitamins - they don't compare.

Well in fairness the OP's logic is flawed. OP doesnt want kids having sugar full stop- so that would include broccoli etc regardless of the other benefits the broccoli might include. But then again, the sugar rush is only a myth anyway so it really doesnt matter either way.

hefferboi

I work in a pub/restaurant and I always give children a purple snack when they're finished their meals. Now I feel bad.

DylanII

When I seen the thread title I thought you were complaining about parents who don't want you to give their children sweets.

Tombo2001

Mike87 wrote: »

Well in fairness the OP's logic is flawed. OP doesnt want kids having sugar full stop.

I never said that Mike.

My point is that I dont like it being flung at kids regularly without asking the parent first.

And regarding the point on sugar, I thought this would go without saying, but obviously it doesnt......I was referring in the OP to processed sugars. Sweets, candy, biscuits.

Mike87

Tombo2001 wrote: »

I never said that Mike.

So you didnt say "Please feel free to feed my kids.....as long as it doesnt have sugar in it."

Zillah

Mike87 wrote: »

Well in fairness the OP's logic is flawed. OP doesnt want kids having sugar full stop- so that would include broccoli etc regardless of the other benefits the broccoli might include. But then again, the sugar rush is only a myth anyway so it really doesnt matter either way.

Oh don't be silly. He obviously meant things that are empty sugar, like fizzy drinks, jellies and ice-cream...y'know, the things he specifically spoke about in the OP.

pwurple

Mmmm. Delicious empty sugar.

I kinda know where the OP is coming from. When you have a small one with an allergy as well, it can feel a bit stingy saying no to offers of cakes and biscuits. I used to say she has an allergy... but I got a few "sure that's all rubbish, she can have a small bit". I didn't want to have to drag out the epi-pen and show them her prescriptions, so I just stick to the no thanks now.

Stuff I recognise as safe I let her have though. It's what people do to be nice, and it is good practice for the "Thank you"s and how to interact politely with your elders. She was given a load of blueberries yesterday, it's not all sweets!

Neyite

I dont see what is wrong with checking with a parent before offering their child anything to eat or drink as a treat, I always have, even if its fruit - you just dont know what they may be allergic /sensitive to, or even if your treat means that they wont eat their dinner.

I have always tried to bring healthy treats to visit nephews/nieces - fruits, yoghurts or cheese, rather than crisps chocolate and fizzy drinks, and always checked with mum and dad first if they were allowed or not.

January

I've always been asked before anybody has offered anything to my children. The butcher would discreetly pick up the box of lollipops or the lady on the bus would ask if she could have a sweet before producing...

Maybe you're just meeting ignorant people OP...

cynder

Anyone who visits us always brings our kids sweets. We may add that they can eat them after dinner, or if they have had dinner they can have them right away.


They are healthy kids they are not fat, overweight or obese. They don't get hyperactive from sweets. As long as the sweet isn't hard like a glucose sweet or humbug I have no issues.

Hannibal Smith

Tombo2001 wrote: »

It seems there is no shortage of people out there who will randomly and out of the blue produce lollipops, biscuits, chocolate, yoghurts, fizzy orange, fizz bombs or whatever it is for the kids to eat.

I'll be on the bus, and some old dear will take a packet of jellies our of her bag and start waving them. We'll be in the butchers and he will throw a lollipop at them. We'll visit a grand-uncle and it will be a choice of ice-cream, coffee cake, 6 month old ginger snaps or TK lemonade.

For a long time, I was patient enough with this as quite clearly, they are only trying to be nice.

But it is just pissing me off more and more - why?

Number 1: It is hard enough to get kids to eat their dinner of potato, chicken and carrot......but if they have a belly full of ice cream then its simply not possible.
Number 2: Random stranger or kind relative doesnt have to deal with tantrum two hours later when kids have sugar rush and empty stomach.
Number 3: Any fool can win favour with a kid by giving them a packet of jellies...it requires no effort.....what are you proving?
Number 4: Sugar is bad for kids. Why are you giving it to them, especially when they are not asking for it.
Number 5: A child who isnt crying will pretty damny sure start crying if I tell them they cant have that chocolate kimberly you are waving in their face.
Number 6: Myself and my wife are the ones who wake up in the middle of the night when they are crying, who run around like blue arsed flies in the morning to get them dressed and fed, who devote all our energies to entertaining them, educating them, feeding them, clothing them. Treat time is a nice time for parents to have with their kids. But they can only have so many treats in a day. Why are you denying me this?

If you want to feed my kids without asking me first.....thats fine, as long as its a leaf of lettuce, a sprig of broccoli, a slice of tomato. Knock yourself out.

Sorry for rant folks. Long weekend.

I feel your pain OP...I don't understand what's so difficult about asking the parent first. I keep going on about my mother but she really is unreal and the ironic thing is...she's diabetic herself! The other week she brought a jar of sweets home from her holidays for him and handed them right to him! Fair enough though, he actually gave the jar to me and only took a few out of it and kept the rest :P.

I would never in a million years give a kid something without asking the parent if they're allowed have it. If it's the odd lollipop or something, that's fair enough, he doesn't have that many things like that, so it's nice as a treat.

The important thing as well is, you don't know the dietry requirements of the child or what they might be allergic to, so who on earth are you to decide what they can eat?

puffishoes

Neyite wrote: »

I dont see what is wrong with checking with a parent before offering their child anything to eat or drink as a treat, I always have, even if its fruit - you just dont know what they may be allergic /sensitive to, or even if your treat means that they wont eat their dinner.

I have always tried to bring healthy treats to visit nephews/nieces - fruits, yoghurts or cheese, rather than crisps chocolate and fizzy drinks, and always checked with mum and dad first if they were allowed or not.

There's absloutley nothing wrong with checking with the parent first. But most people just see it as a nice gesture and don't assume the kid is going to explode if they lick a lolly before they offer it. This over protective mind set is doing nothing for us, kids are going to be afraid of their own shadows with all these over reactions.

Tombo2001

puffishoes wrote: »

This over protective mind set is doing nothing for us, kids are going to be afraid of their own shadows with all these over reactions.

1 in 4 Irish children are clinically obese.

cynder

Tombo2001 wrote: »

puffishoes wrote: »

This over protective mind set is doing nothing for us, kids are going to be afraid of their own shadows with all these over reactions.

1 in 4 Irish children are clinically obese.

That can be from too many spuds on the plate, too many chips, too much rice/ pasta/ white bread, portion sizes are a big issue, it's not just not just limited to sweets or sugar.

Also its due to a lack of exercise.

Mainly the childs lifestyle on the whole, cutting out sweets isn't going to change anything, the life style has to change.

Tombo2001

cynder wrote: »

That can be from too many spuds on the plate, too many chips, too much rice/ pasta/ white bread, portion sizes are a big issue, it's not just not just limited to sweets or sugar.

Also its due to a lack of exercise.

Mainly the childs lifestyle on the whole, cutting out sweets isn't going to change anything, the life style has to change.

The main dietary cause of obesity is eating too much sugar (or sugar proxies such as cornflakes or white bread), as opposed to eating too much.

Obviously lack of exercise is a contributary factor, but we're not really going to debate that poor diet and obesity are not linked are we?

puffishoes

Tombo2001 wrote: »

1 in 4 Irish children are clinically obese.

What has this got to do with a butcher offering a lolly?

If you feed your child in a healthy way they won't be obese.

The local butcher offering a lolly did not cause a child to be obese the parent who didn't feed the child correctly did.

puffishoes

Tombo2001 wrote: »

The main dietary cause of obesity is eating too much sugar (or sugar proxies such as cornflakes or white bread), as opposed to eating too much.

Obviously lack of exercise is a contributary factor, but we're not really going to debate that poor diet and obesity are not linked are we?

but how is it linked to someone offering a child a lolly?

eating sweets in moderation is fine. teach and educate your child and it won't be a problem.

Tombo2001

puffishoes wrote: »

What has this got to do with a butcher offering a lolly?

You tell me, you are the one who is bringing it up repeatedly.

I made reference to a situation where kids are being offerred sweets in many different places, of which that was one.

And i take your point, educate your kids. You are right.

implausible

I'd agree that the problem is people not asking permission. I feel your pain OP, but have to add that a lot of people (with a smidgen of cop-on) do address the question to me. I had to laugh at the idea of saving it for later. My two-year old is just that - a two year old and he wants it when it's put in his face:eek:

With my fella, the sugar rush is not really the problem, it's the disruption of meals and particularly the nappies! I'm constantly amazed at what people offer my child and have done since he started eating- crisps, coke, chocolate and sweets. My biggest problem is my mother-in-law who lets him eat as many biscuits as he wants:rolleyes:

Tombo2001

implausible wrote: »

I'd agree that the problem is people not asking permission. I feel your pain OP, but have to add that a lot of people (with a smidgen of cop-on) do address the question to me. I had to laugh at the idea of saving it for later. My two-year old is just that - a two year old and he wants it when it's put in his face:eek:

With my fella, the sugar rush is not really the problem, it's the disruption of meals and particularly the nappies! I'm constantly amazed at what people offer my child and have done since he started eating- crisps, coke, chocolate and sweets. My biggest problem is my mother-in-law who lets him eat as many biscuits as he wants:rolleyes:

Absolutely agree; I have no problem with people asking me first, in fact I greatly appreciate when they do.

MrTsSnickers

Why don't you just take it off the old lady or whoever when they offer it and tell the child they can have it later. Alternatively, take it off the child and tell him/her they can have it later. People like to be kind to children, big whop, it's ultimately up to you to do what you think is right - old lady on the bus fishing out a glacier mint is being nice, just teach your kid to say thanks and you swipe it off them and tell her something like s/he's having his dinner in 15/20 mins, it'll be a nice treat after, thanks, smile politely and continue on your way.

Ayla

I took my 5 yr old to a paediatric consultation recently & as we were sitting down at his desk the Dr handed her & my 2-yr old a bag of crisps without so much as a glance at me. Normally I don't worry too much about the "nice old ladies" who want to give a sweet, but I was shocked that a consultant would blatently hand over crisps without asking first.

I can only imagine how much worse the appoint would have gone if my kids had balked at the idea that I wouldn't let them have all the crisps straight away (or had started fighting over them, or spilling them, or had an allergic reaction to them....).

As far as I'm concerned, I usually let my kids have the odd lolly from the chemist, but I appreciate being asked first. And being honest, I'd rather the kids get a sticker instead of a sweet - my girls get at least as excited by stickers & then I don't have the whole sugar thing to deal with.

Daffodil.d

I am sick of this myself op. I don't know what it is but 20 mins after my kids get treats they go mad like crazy mad. I don't believe that sugar doesn't cause a rush. I think that research was done by sugar companies lol. Anyway. I like to be asked because I always ask. also what if a child had an allergy. I am fed up with it because its a constant battle in our family. I originally had 2 kids that got very little bad food and now because of family, ie. grandparents who have minded them 4 me on different occasions. my kids expect to be allowed that stuff. My mother in law even handed my 2 year old a cup of coke one day. I mean Omg who gives a 2 year old coke. thankfully i was there to intervene. It's not parents being over protective either as one poster said. Its common sense and looking out for your kids well being. Even if getting bad sugary done doesn't seem to debt them now it will when they're older.

CrazyRabbit

2 days ago I offered some sweets to my 3 year old niece Ava.. Her mum (my sister) thanked me, took the sweets and told Ava that she could have them after dinner.
There was no fuss, no tantrums (Though I imagine it wasn't like this the first time).

Personally, I think this is a really great approach as it teaches some self discipline & encourages the consumption of sweets as a treat and not as a meal substitute.

cynder

Daffodil.d wrote: »

I am sick of this myself op. I don't know what it is but 20 mins after my kids get treats they go mad like crazy mad. I don't believe that sugar doesn't cause a rush. I think that research was done by sugar companies lol. Anyway. I like to be asked because I always ask. also what if a child had an allergy. I am fed up with it because its a constant battle in our family. I originally had 2 kids that got very little bad food and now because of family, ie. grandparents who have minded them 4 me on different occasions. my kids expect to be allowed that stuff. My mother in law even handed my 2 year old a cup of coke one day. I mean Omg who gives a 2 year old coke. thankfully i was there to intervene. It's not parents being over protective either as one poster said. Its common sense and looking out for your kids well being. Even if getting bad sugary done doesn't seem to debt them now it will when they're older.

Funny, I was in the 2 euro shop the one day. kids were on lunch from school all stocking up on cans and bars for their lunch, my bets are those kids parents haven't a clue what they are eating, none of the kids were fat/ overweight but I wonder if they are making up for what they never got.

The ones who impose sweet bans could be the ones whose kids stuff their faces when their parents back is turned.

Daffodil.d

cynder wrote: »

Daffodil.d wrote: »

I am sick of this myself op. I don't know what it is but 20 mins after my kids get treats they go mad like crazy mad. I don't believe that sugar doesn't cause a rush. I think that research was done by sugar companies lol. Anyway. I like to be asked because I always ask. also what if a child had an allergy. I am fed up with it because its a constant battle in our family. I originally had 2 kids that got very little bad food and now because of family, ie. grandparents who have minded them 4 me on different occasions. my kids expect to be allowed that stuff. My mother in law even handed my 2 year old a cup of coke one day. I mean Omg who gives a 2 year old coke. thankfully i was there to intervene. It's not parents being over protective either as one poster said. Its common sense and looking out for your kids well being. Even if getting bad sugary done doesn't seem to debt them now it will when they're older.

Funny, I was in the 2 euro shop the one day. kids were on lunch from school all stocking up on cans and bars for their lunch, my bets are those kids parents haven't a clue what they are eating, none of the kids were fat/ overweight but I wonder if they are making up for what they never got.

The ones who impose sweet bans could be the ones whose kids stuff their faces when their parents back is turned.

myself and my sister have had this debate. in the end we came to the conclusion that kids still need to know what's bad. I constantly question myself on that issue and do allow sweets and chocolate sometimes but its enough. As regards to the kids buying their own lunch. Their parents know what they're having because if they were the type to be concerned they would hand the kids money. Also another point. I am not naive enough to think my kids would have always eaten really well but i wanted them to at least get a good long foundation while they're young. chances are by the time they're old enough to go to the sins themselves they'll be buying all sorts because they want to be like their friends. i think the reason i am so fussy myself is because i had whatever i wanted and cakes and sweets were a big part of my life and now my Mam is diabetic and i struggle with my own weight.

cynder

My daughter is diabetic. Type 1 since age 7 she is almost 13, starting secondary school in September. We will be giving her money. Not a packed lunch.

2 of my grandparents were type 2.

I know only too well the pros and cons of sugar.


Balance is the key.... We have to pass that message on to the kids.


Sugar is good too, my daughter's locker will be filled with coke and biscuits for the hypos she will have.

Daffodil.d

cynder wrote: »

My daughter is diabetic. Type 1 since age 7 she is almost 13, starting secondary school in September. We will be giving her money. Not a packed lunch.

2 of my grandparents were type 2.

I know only too well the pros and cons of sugar.


Balance is the key.... We have to pass that message on to the kids.


Sugar is good too, my daughter's locker will be filled with coke and biscuits for the hypos she will have.

I totally understand that too I had it myself during pregnancy and struggled to keep my sugar levels down. You are the one over seeing the lunch your daughter has though which is good and people are good in that situation the don't just hand done over without questioning.

war_child

Been reading this thread and have to say it made me chortle somewhat, everyone eager to give advice on nutrition and parenting without one actual nutritionalist in sight , and i dont believe in parenting experts cozwhat works for one wont work for someone else , take care of your own kids and be done with everyone elses.

Truly silly Thread

MrTsSnickers

"Been reading this thread and have to say it made me chortle somewhat, everyone eager to give advice on nutrition and parenting without one actual nutritionalist in sight , and i dont believe in parenting experts cozwhat works for one wont work for someone else , take care of your own kids and be done with everyone elses.

Truly silly Thread"

I don't think that nutritionalists exist. Dietitians on the other hand would be very useful.

battleaxe88

I see where the OP is coming from. Yes, I would see it as common courtesy to ask the parent of a young child first before offering sweets but that doesn't always happen. I've a 3yo and if we're out and she's offered sweets, if I feel it's not the right time for her to be eating sweets i'll thank whoever gave her the sweets and put it in my bag for another time.

Regardless of how my daughter responds to this doesn't bother me. At the end of the day, I'm the parent. People can offer her sweets all day long but it's up to me if she gets them or not, so I don't see it as an issue.

hoodwinked

just a teeny tiny point thats been bugging me as ive been reading this,


the idea that a lolly pop given by a butchers would ruin a meal or ice cream given at an uncles,

even if they were right next door you are still about 40 minutes minimum from a meal (unless you are cooking that ready in 10 minutes stuff)

if they live further away thats what? a possible 45 minutes or more to meal?


ice cream shouldn't fill them so long that they wouldn't eat a dinner after half an hour or longer without food?!?

homeOwner

Tombo2001 wrote: »

It seems there is no shortage of people out there who will randomly and out of the blue produce lollipops, biscuits, chocolate, yoghurts, fizzy orange, fizz bombs or whatever it is for the kids to eat.

I'll be on the bus, and some old dear will take a packet of jellies our of her bag and start waving them. We'll be in the butchers and he will throw a lollipop at them. We'll visit a grand-uncle and it will be a choice of ice-cream, coffee cake, 6 month old ginger snaps or TK lemonade.

For a long time, I was patient enough with this as quite clearly, they are only trying to be nice.

But it is just pissing me off more and more - why?

Number 1: It is hard enough to get kids to eat their dinner of potato, chicken and carrot......but if they have a belly full of ice cream then its simply not possible.
Number 2: Random stranger or kind relative doesnt have to deal with tantrum two hours later when kids have sugar rush and empty stomach.
Number 3: Any fool can win favour with a kid by giving them a packet of jellies...it requires no effort.....what are you proving?
Number 4: Sugar is bad for kids. Why are you giving it to them, especially when they are not asking for it.
Number 5: A child who isnt crying will pretty damny sure start crying if I tell them they cant have that chocolate kimberly you are waving in their face.
Number 6: Myself and my wife are the ones who wake up in the middle of the night when they are crying, who run around like blue arsed flies in the morning to get them dressed and fed, who devote all our energies to entertaining them, educating them, feeding them, clothing them. Treat time is a nice time for parents to have with their kids. But they can only have so many treats in a day. Why are you denying me this?

If you want to feed my kids without asking me first.....thats fine, as long as its a leaf of lettuce, a sprig of broccoli, a slice of tomato. Knock yourself out.

Sorry for rant folks. Long weekend.

I totally see where you are coming from, its a real bug-bear of mine too. Especially when its from family members, uncles, aunts, grand parents - you feel like you cant tell them no (I have no problem saying no to a stranger). You get the whole - ah sure I only see them once a month, let them have cake at 3 in the afternoon followed by chocolate biscuits and orange.

Then you have to deal with kids who are not hungry at dinner time, when you have gone to the effort of cooking a nutricious meal. Grrrrr. And what about the chocolate biscuits I had bought for them for a treat after dinner? Now I cant give them because they havent eaten dinner but ate crap all afternoon already......You are fun aunty who gives them chocolate and I am grumpy mummy who wont let them have anymore.