Putting my foot down on sugar, but not yet winning the battle

by Heather Craven (Subscribe to Heather Craven's posts) Oct 10th 2007 2:00PM

I love sugar. There is no other way around it, I love it. My kids also love sugar, especially the youngest one, Devon. At just three years-old, he will do almost anything to avoid eating healthy foods if he knows there is even the slightest chance there will be something with refined sugar in his near future. But we all know that refined sugar is no good and should be avoided at all costs, especially for kids. Most people would say to just eliminate the culprit and be done with it. But here's the kicker, my kids are relentless and cleverly manipulative, even the wee one of the bunch. As a single mom, the three of them outnumber me and they know I am apt to give in to their demands once they reach an unbearable level. So the sugar has been keeping a steady place in our household, wreaking havoc as it dwells in my children's bellies and causing them to be cranky and always wanting more, more, more.

Recently I have made a vow to take charge of this addiction among my children and me. Junky cereals have not entered our home in over two weeks, instead I have been getting up 30 minutes early each morning and cooking bacon, pancakes and French toast. Sure that means syrup but it is an organic maple syrup these days. The high sugar juices are gone from the pantry, along with the sugary granola bars in lunch boxes. There is no more ice cream in the freezer. Gone is the ultra secret stash of chocolate chips. But is it working?

Several days into the process my youngest is starting to eat actual meals, though they consist of sandwiches and organic yogurt and organic crackers. The older two are not following me and constantly repeating, "Hey, Heather? Where's the ice cream? Cookies? Chocolate chips? Gatorade? Honey?" However, none of them have yet to graciously accept a turnip or brussel sprout into their lives. And the little one? He will eat a peanut butter sandwich but still no sort of meat. So while I am pleased with the progress thus far, there is still much grumbling and not all the junk has left the house. Next to go will be the chips. Just wait 'till the kids hear about that....

Comments (9)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Sandyone 10-10-2007 @ 2:15PM

Sounds like it's working brilliantly to me! They're not complaining (much)? That's the hugest part of the battle. And, Honey, *I* won't be lookin for any turnips or brussels sprouts, either!!!

I would suspect that they're getting some sugar fix at school, but that's out of your control and may add to their compliance at home. Some sugar isn't too bad.

I think you've done very well. You are definitely ahead in this battle. Fight on!

ninainindia 10-10-2007 @ 2:16PM

Sounds like you are replacing one bad thing with another. Bacon is very unhealthy and the pancakes I know are also not healthy.

I love everything with sugar in it myself and am also trying to cut down in my intake but it is almost impossible!

Elizabeth Ashe 10-10-2007 @ 2:21PM

You have to take one day one at a time, and with much consistent effort on your part the kids will see you setting the winning example and it will will create a spiral effect of a love for healthier eating and living. But it has to start with the parents.

Amanda 10-10-2007 @ 2:26PM

i just finished off my tiramisu while nodding in agreement with you about the evils of sugar :D
oops

Crystal 10-10-2007 @ 2:45PM

We are in the process of something similar in our house. Sugar isnt really an issue. But fast food is. I realized I we had an issue when I asked my three year old what he wanted for super, and he replied Wendy's. Without even thinking about it. YIKES.
For the last two weeks I have cooked 3 meals a day. And although in the beginning he revolted against eating dinner cooked on the stove and not out of a bag. I am happy to report that he is eating 3 meals a day at the table. And last night he actually said "More Carrots, Please." I nearly fell over.
I've learned a valuable parenting lesson that consistency does pay off and it does work.

acm 10-10-2007 @ 3:01PM

off to a good start!

sometimes it's good that kids learn that harrying can backfire -- I think a frenzied "if I hear one more beg for dessert, everybody spends the evening in their room!" sometimes does a good deed in that regard, even if the parent would prefer more reasoned approaches. there's got to be a limit to behavior, and driving you crazy is where it ends!

good luck with keeping up your campaign.

Lauren 10-10-2007 @ 3:04PM

Congrats on doing something wonderful for your children. I wish my parents would have done this when I was small!

It is hard for the first few days, for sure; but it dies get better!

Lauren 10-10-2007 @ 3:05PM

Ha - I mean *does* get better... not dies! Gah! Sorry!

Jill 10-10-2007 @ 4:41PM

As long as you still allow treats for special occassions, otherwise they'll become monsters whenever they locate sugar. This can be awkward in public. Small amounts of sugar are ok. Skip the sweet cereal but allow a cookie or two after dinner. Skip sodas but make lemonade sometimes. And try oatmeal (the real kind) with dried fruit on it.

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