Chocolate and my Child – Yes
Should children be limited in the amount of chocolate they eat is the age old question all year but especially at holiday time. Easter and Halloween especially are two holidays that bring this question out in the open. I have chosen to write for the yes side of this debate. My stand is that, yes, children should be limited on how much chocolate and sugar they ingest. Children learn from example and their parents. If children are allowed to choose their own rules and indulge in their own self satisfaction, then the adults around them are irresponsible and should not be their caregivers.
There is no better time than childhood to instill good habits and values in children. Candy and holiday time are great tools to help your child become a responsible adult. The amounts you have in your house and available for consumption is not what I am debating here. A parent can have a whole cupboard full but that doesn't mean it should all be eaten at one time. Presenting your child with something so tempting is definitely going to cause your child to go overboard. If your child is old enough sit them down and discuss some ideas and rules that everyone can follow regarding the consumption of chocolate in your house. Allow so many pieces a day or at one sitting. Encourage your child to savor what they are allowed to have and point out that being careful with the supply it will last longer thus prolonging the pleasure of the chocolate. Set a good example to your child and let them see you pick and choose how much and how often so that you may also prolong your enjoyment of the treat.
Chocolate nowadays is promoted as healthier than was thought years ago. That being said it still contributes to many health issues that can have lifelong effects that your child might have to struggle with as an adult. Teaching your child good habits of chocolate consumption and self control as a youngster will spill over into other areas of their life. Teaching them responsibility with food will encourage them to have self control of their wants. Delaying gratification will help them in all areas of their lives and teach them that good things are to be savored and enjoying for longer than a few moments.
Setting limits on how much chocolate your child ingests will make you a better parent and caregiver and your child will respect you more for caring about their health. Children needs limits, rules and delayed gratification. Allowing them to pick and choose a few pieces of chocolate here and there helps them better understand having a treat being special versus over indulging their inborn selfishness.
Setting limits on how much chocolate your child consumes is not bad parenting or mean. Stick with what is healthy for your child and enjoy the fact that you are among the many parents who feel the same.
