I'm failing my kids!
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This is very simple ... it is as simple as not buying it as people have said. If you do not want them to eat the sugar filled things .. well guess what, I somehow doubt that they are buying it themselves. So just stop enabling them.
So .. do what I do, I just avoid the bad candy aisle at the store, after a while they will learn that sugary **** is a treat and not a regular occurrence. Substitute with better options.
For me .. if I don't have any at home, I will not eat it. The needed change can start with you .. buy healthier snacks. They will adjust.
As far as not liking it .. too bad, life is not all full of things you will always like. If they really do not like it .. then they just do not need the snacks then. In the end .. they will be better off not eating all that ****.
Oh .. re the picky kids. Too bad .. they will learn and once again, you are enabling them to be picky. When I was young . .my parents made me food. I did not want to eat it .. well that was my issue not theirs. I would starve if I did not want to eat it. I ate what was on the plate.
Other than brie cheese .. which will literally make me vomit, I don't hate anything. That is due to my parents not catering to a child picky ways.0 -
I don't know maybe I'm a hard mom but I've never really put up with the "i don't like it" mumbo jumbo. I don't even buy anything that has sugar in it. Sugary cereal is a treat that comes sometimes with very good grades, same with other sugar snacks or treats. My kids know that if you don't eat your food you don't get anything else so if you really are hungry then you'll eat what is provided for you. Yes there were some hard years but it was how I was raised and it's how I will continue to raise my children. I'm not a restaurant and neither are you.
celery and peanut butter...put raisins on it and you have ants on a log
carrots and ranch( half the time I don't even give the ranch)
peanut butter and banana's on a plain rice cake
maybe have a serving on nuts
look up healthy alternatives that don't include sugar....start mixing juice with water and eventually end up with only water in the cup.....
I let my kids have a couple things that they just don't like and we try and work around those things(mainly tomatoes). However, if I make BLT's for dinner they will eat the tomato's because we don't waste food in our home. They know they can't get away with it....maybe letting your kids know that they will eat what you provide and nothing else will help. Maybe setting up consequences for just grabbing things without asking...I don't know. Every home is different but I really wouldn't be letting my kids control the situation like that.
Hope this helps!0 -
I assume you buy the groceries? Stop buying sugary food.0
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I assume you buy the groceries? Stop buying sugary food.
Yes, thank you, very helpful, especially as nobody's said the same thing yet.
Thanks everyone else for the ideas. Keep them coming.
The sugar treats are hidden where they can't reach them now. I don't know what's happened to them lately, they used to ask if they could have something and after one sweet treat I said 'fruit or cheese' but this last week they've just been helping themselves without asking. Definitely need to be tough mom again.
The sugary cereals are a treat though, I mean typically they had Life (which I guess has some sugar in them too). I just bought the Halloween ones as a special treat, and I'm not buying more when the box is gone. It's just the juice thing that was the last straw (and I'm totally blaming my husband for that one - they never asked for it until he let them have some).
I do make them finish their lunch before getting another snack when we get home though, so maybe I'll just keep trying to push a healthier lunch (any suggestion?).
The funny thing is they hardly touch the cake and cupcakes when they are invited to a birthday, and my son never finishes his dessert when we go out and he orders one either. Go figure.0 -
Being completely serious...go on pinterest. See what ideas you can find for some "fun"kid ways to make snacks. The kids might be more inclined to eat what they have made. I've seen your basic "Ants on a log" (made from every kind of nut butter you can think of) to all sorts of little creatures made from cheese cubes, pretzels, grapes; graham cracker type sandwiches with nut butters or cheese spread.
But seriously, if your son isn't eating, he isn't hungry.0 -
The fact that they are eating graham crackers, yogurts and cereals should be making you happy. The stuff I ate when I was younger was atrocious, it makes your kids look like food angels- and honestly that wasn't that long ago for me lol- and looking back because I was active it didn't make a huge difference in my weight. I didn't continue eating like that again until like college, where it's always convenience food.
You could always give them apples, some of them have a higher sugar content vs a red delicious and it'll make them want it because it's completely delicious and tastes like a sugary treat. You could always push for them to eat Cheerios, any kind will pretty much do, they all have a relatively decent sugar content; although regular is the best with 1g of sugar per serving. If they eat it plain that's all they get but milk has quite a bit of sugar, I think for skim it's 12g per serving. The twisted string cheese was always a treat for me.0 -
It is interesting that they eat at dinner time -- it is only at breakfast and lunch that you are concerned.
What time do they eat dinner? Maybe they are not hungry at breakfast and lunch.0 -
Typically 5.30-6pm. But they started eating well when my husband bribed them with dessert if they finished their dinner...0
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I have kids that used to eat high sugar foods..
the reason they did is because I fed it to them/ let them have it.
You can't just take it away though. They are addicted to it. If you are really committed to helping them change their eating habits you will.
here is what helped with me
- Eating by example. If you and hubby eat it.. they will also.
- Reduce and switch. Help them learn new tastes. THIS WILL TAKE TIME! the healthier they eat the more they will like it. I bargained with mine lol.. " have these grapes first, then you can have ( insert unhealthy food they are used to but reduce how much you usually give them)
- encourage and talk to them. Make them proud of the choices they are making. I have a 4 year old and I can tell you they get it! Let them feel like they are taking part in changing their food choices and that they can feel good about it. It is amazing what kids will achieve when you let them feel they have control over it.
you mentioned snacks for school. Most fruits and veggies don't need refrigerating. Yogurt you can put next to ice packs and let them know it is morning and lunch snacks.. Let them help you pack their lunches also.
and TIME! this isn't going to change over night. Look at all these adults on here struggling with junk food addiction. Your hubby really needs to get on the ball though and realize this is for your kids.
Good luck! :flowerforyou:0 -
just try and limit the junk you buy, also maybe make your own bars/snacks for home, look for healthy recipes and get them to help
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I'm of the "IF you don't buy it crowd", so just cut down on it a bit.0
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just try and limit the junk you buy, also maybe make your own bars/snacks for home, look for healthy recipes and get them to help
I alway say I'm going to do this.. and never do.. I HAVE started to portion out grapes and other snacks. My bottom level of my fridge is always full of clean fruits and portioned out snacks of veggies and fruits. I also keep a good amount of pre portioned cheeses like babybell. Yogurts are on this level also. Anything I am ok with them just grabbing when they are looking for a quick snack.
AND IT WORKED! I started this a few weeks ago and it was brilliant! Keep a variety of fruits cleaned and easy to grab. It doesn't take too long either.
Trying to help our children be healthy we sometimes have to try and be creative 0 -
Typically 5.30-6pm. But they started eating well when my husband bribed them with dessert if they finished their dinner...
Probably not what you want to hear, but I've never thought food (especially crappy ones) should be used as a reward. I thought it just encouraged a kid to manipulate the situation to get what they want.
Your kids WILL NOT STARVE if they don't eat the food that you pack. Even if they NEVER eat lunch. But, they'll develop a taste for good food eventually. But you need to fix this before they become teenagers and you lose even more control as they develop social lives that keep them out of the house longer, and they need the tools to make good choices.0 -
They probably don't like lots of other foods because sugary foods taste awesome. Once they get used to developing their taste buds a bit, they will learn to like more foods. If you are worried that they are already pretty thin, increase the fat you use in cooking if possible.
Everyone has a few foods on the "NO list," but if nearly all foods are on your kids', they've either got to branch out for their own learning (adaptability, flexibility), or they have figured out that mom won't take away the sugar if they don't eat the rest of it. If my mom had given me pizza for every meal because I wouldn't eat anything else, I would have grown up on pizza and pizza only.
The site chocolatecoveredkatie.com has some bean based desserts that are really good. Try making the chickpea chocolate chip blondies. I added protein powder to a cupcake recipe today and it came out great. At least for me, dessert foods with more protein and fiber help me not overeat. Make one dessert a week and let the kids know that when it's gone, it's gone until the next Sunday when you make something new.0 -
OP, I think it takes a lot of guts to come on here and admit that you're doing something you want to improve and open yourself to criticism. I just wanted to say that. Your post actually got me thinking a lot about my own kids, so I really appreciate your vulnerability on this thread.
Just wanted to say that in case you feel like you've received more criticism than encouragement on the responses here.
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I don't like many veggies - I wasn't raised with them.
One of my friends has 3 "don't eat" items - nothing from a place with a drive through, no food with a commercial, and nothing from a pink box.
I'm not as strict as he is - what works for him won't work for me.
For snacks, start with what you model. That will be their first baseline.
Personally, I like red bell peppers and cucumbers, and love both of those with hummus. I will also eat cherry tomatoes.
If you model crudités and cheese cubes as party foods, there is a better chance of your kids thinking of them as fun snacks rather than boring must eat alternatives.
You are mom, not a short order cook or a caterer.
Pick your battles. A friend of mine is strict with her son's breakfast Monday through Friday; weekends he can get himself a bowl of his choice of cereal.
Yes, they will protest and resist. And if you have relented, they will try resisting to your relent point.
You and your husband do need to have a unified message.
But missing occasional meals and snacks is not the end of world.
Buy some fruit and veggie party trays, and see what goes because it's prepped and there. Add hummus or Greek yogurt or cream cheese and see what works.
If party trays work, involve your kids in the prep. Or spring for party trays. The cost is a trade off against convenience and variety. Do what works for you.
My snacks are apples, berries, bananas, "lite" salami, cherry tomatoes, red, yellow and orange (but not green) bell peppers, hummus, and weighed out portions (one ounce) of cheese. An apple, an ounce of cheese, and 7 walnuts can be an on the go breakfast.
A Wasa cracker with cream cheese and turkey can be a snack; 2 graham cracker squares with cream cheese can be a dessert.
I posted elsewhere that a weighed out portion of Golden Grahams and 4 oz. of milk was a dessert for me now. It could also be a snack.0 -
Typically 5.30-6pm. But they started eating well when my husband bribed them with dessert if they finished their dinner...
This is not about the beautiful twins. This is about you and your husband. I hope he can get on board.0 -
My advice is to quit letting your kids run your kitchen.
I 1000% agree with this.
I'm a mom of 4 kids; 10, 7, 4 and 1 and they eat what I buy and what I make. They know not to ask for dessert and are ultra happy when I surprise them with something randomly. They don't eat their meal, it gets saved for whenever they announce their hunger. Or veggies from dinner are mixed into breakfast's scramble or burrito.0 -
When I was a kid, we got one (count 'um ONE) "hate" food. When that was served, we got to pass. Other than that, we were expected to eat at least half of everything on our plates.They will eat veggies at dinner, I guess I'll make a list of what's acceptable as snacks and see what they'll eat from there when they come back from school... thanks for the ideas.
Make it a list of healthy snacks, not what they dictate, or I don't think you'll make much progress. I'm not sure bribing and bargaining will work that well for you. Sound like they've become accustomed to sugar so it's not going to be easy for them to give it up voluntarily. It's not for adults! But once they do, as someone else pointed out, their taste-buds will adapt and they'll enjoy fresh fruit more... I know I sure do now that I've cut processed sugar way down. Processed foods generally have lots of sugar and lots of salt.
The web is a wonderful resource. Try googling something like "healthy snacks and meals for kids".
After a couple seconds of looking, here's a list (article was targeting lowering fat in kids diet but you get the idea):
Examples of kid-friendly healthy snack combinations include:
Sandwiches made with meats or peanut butter
Crunchy vegetable sticks with low-fat ranch dip
Hummus and pita wedges
Yogurt parfait with low-fat yogurt and fruit
Slice of leftover pizza
Fruit smoothie made in a blender with fresh fruit, yogurt, and juice
Sliced tomato with mozzarella cheese
Melon cubes with a slice of turkey
Hard-boiled egg with a slice of whole-wheat bread
Low-fat yogurt with berries and almonds
"Light" microwave popcorn with grated parmesan cheese
Bowl of cereal with milk
Banana slices with peanut butter
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/secrets-of-healthy-snacks-for-kids?page=2
Good for you for recognizing a problem and addressing it now. Just your example as you improve your own diet is a great first step in taking control of your kids' diet to insure their health!0 -
If they don't eat the sandwiches you provide them for lunch, what do they eat? Do they buy junk with their pocket money?
Just the fruit and the cookie I sometimes give them.
Keep making excuses...that's working well.
Yeah clearly I'm making excuses for what my kids won't eat, because it's my fault they don't like some things.Are they really picky, or are they used to whining until they get what they want? Tastes can change. I used to hate pretty much all veggies and had to force myself to eat them. Now, I enjoy most of them. I was also a sugar addict - pop and anything super sugary. Now pop (soda) and many store-bought sugary treats - like cupcakes - are way to sweet to me. They will whine for awhile, but they can get used to snacks they "don't like".
As for yogurt - I make mine with a large container of plain fat-free yogurt and mix in a package of fat-free, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix. You can use other flavors as well.
You can also buy almonds that are coated with a little vanilla or cocoa that adds just a little sweetness.
Breakfast - it takes me no time to make an egg and throw it on an english muffin every morning with a slice of cheese. You can even cook the egg in a coffee mug in the microwave in 1 minute. Other breakfast options - a bagel, english muffin with pb, or start with LESS sugary cereals to start backing off.
This is not about your kids choices...it's about yours.
Yeah but what good does it do if they go to school hungry because they won't eat? My son is almost underweight already and only giving him things that I know he won't eat is not going to make much good. They don't like PB but they might eat it with cream cheese, so I'll try that. Or maybe I'll start with low sugar cereal.
For the yogurt, I'm not really comfortable giving my kids artificial sweeteners when it's not really needed (plus honestly I find the sugar free pudding mixes awful).
They will eat veggies at dinner, I guess I'll make a list of what's acceptable as snacks and see what they'll eat from there when they come back from school... thanks for the ideas.
WAIT!?!?! :noway:
You buy SUGARY cereals, but you WON'T give them "artificially flavored" yogurts/jello/pudding mixes? o.O
I suggest taking a Nutritional Class, to learn how to read labels and ingredient lists...especially on those Cereal Boxes...0 -
I have a 6 year old and 3.5 year old. This is going to sound unpleasant, but you are the parent. Don't buy the foods that you don't want the kids to eat. You have control over what comes into the house.
Having said that, I'll tell you what works for my kids. Lots of fruit. I let the kids eat as many apples/bananas, also sliced carrot sticks and celery sticks as they want. I let them get these foods on their own. I also do not buy any of the flavored yogurt or oatmeal packets, cereals, etc. Instead, I buy plain greek yogurt and rolled or steel cut oats and add honey to it. That way I control how much extra sweetness is added. And honestly, the kids don't need very much honey to be satisfied. On the rare occasion that I buy juice, I water it down so much that it's barely even juice.
I do let the kids have cupcakes, ice cream, etc. at birthday parties. I'm not denying my kids treats; I just don't bring sweets into the house very often...mainly, b/c I don't want the temptations around me.
ditto EVERYTHING and her lunch recs she posted below this post 0 -
mom of 5 here to say simply
the kids will not starve if they do not get the snacks they like
the choice they have is the snack you offer
or nothing
stick to it
yes they will whine
yes they will complain
tell them the sugary snacks are treats you get them on special occasions they are not for everyday
there is a limit to the snacks as well if they have graham crackers have two then done
the lowest sugar yogurt is Dannon light and fit
I also changed the Jelly we eat we get Polaner all fruit
say no now and remember you are not their friend you are mom
AMEN!0 -
My kids know that whatever is left over in their lunch box becomes their after school snack. Didn't eat that ham and cheese sandwich? You are eating it at home. Ate all your lunch? Get to pick your after school snack. It has worked well for us and cuts down on food waste.0
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as for cereal place this on the table "grape nuts"...."cheerios"....neither are full of sugar 99% they go with cheerios...I would save the sugary cereal for Saturday treats in a measured baggie I wouldn't even relate it to breakfast....as for the juice buy ..the juice boxes or give them each a Rubbermaid drinking bottle allowing them 8oz per day how they drink it and when is up to them. Taking things away is no good they have to learn healthy habits in moderation just like adults.0
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My kids know that whatever is left over in their lunch box becomes their after school snack. Didn't eat that ham and cheese sandwich? You are eating it at home. Ate all your lunch? Get to pick your after school snack. It has worked well for us and cuts down on food waste.
Love this. Going to implement it when my moneys start school.0 -
Don't buy it. They can't have what's not available.
Yeah obviously I'm going to stick to cereal bars from now on (they need snacks for school, and it can't be anything refrigerated).
They didn't 'run the kitchen' until lately, but now they sneak in and help themselves. I can't be there watching all the time. It's so annoying! And the juice thing is recent... they had a box of juice a couple times a week before and that's it... but my husband started letting them have his juice... told him I'm not buying anymore either.
They are pretty picky when it comes to snacks though, so it's really not easy
what my parents did is get a bicycle chain and lock for the fridge. anyone without the combination couldn't get in
they also had a lock on the pantry. unless you had the key, you couldn't get in.
they did that because my brother and i were going through 32-count boxes of granola bars every 2 days.0 -
Another site to check out (I bookmarked it for myself but think it might be handy for a parent trying to plan healthy shopping list, too).
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/0 -
Mom of a 4 Year old here. This is what works for us:
-enroll your kids in a cooking class. They will see how food is prepared and may even wish to help you in the kitchen. Many community centres have these classes and they are geared towards young kids
-educate your kids about food: where it comes from, what it does in your body etc. Keep it age appropriate like "food gives us energy" etc
-take your kids grocery shopping with you and allow them to pick some things out. Have a conversation with them about trying to make healthy choices, and explain to them what that means.
-explain to them what sugar can do to their teeth (this really struck home with my kiddo)
-educate and organize yourself so that you are not taking the path of least resistance. Your kids may love all the goodies now but you are not doing them any favors in the long run
-try new things. You never know what kids will like (I have a picky one too)
-keep the sugary snacks out of reach and keep the healthy ones in a spot where they can help themselves whenever they want
I don't mean to sound like I'm one of those moms who didn't let her kid have any sugar until the age of 2 because that's not me at all. In fact my son pretty much lived off peanut butter and vanilla yogurt until he was 3 (I figured those are relatively healthy) and I am learning even more now that he's in school and I have to be creative with lunches.
Sugar and goodies are not the devil, but we need to educate our kids on the concept of moderation.
There was a thread on here not long ago asking if people thought their upbringing contributed to their weight/food issues. The response was overwhelmingly "yes". Your kids may be a healthy weight now, but if you continue down this path their health will suffer.
Edited for grammar fail0 -
Typically 5.30-6pm. But they started eating well when my husband bribed them with dessert if they finished their dinner...
This is not about the beautiful twins. This is about you and your husband. I hope he can get on board.
Finally a reply that mentions your husband. He needs to get on board with your concerns and attempts at curbing this situation. If he wants to buy the sweet juices, he likes so much, tell him to get the crap at work and not bring it home. By your husband using bribes to get them to finish dinner and having the sweets at home he is being counter productive to everything you are trying to do. Kids learn by example and he has to be part of the GOOD example. Parenting is about both parents keeping a united front. Divide and conquer seems to a natural ability of kids. PARENTS run the house, especially at that age. If you don't win this battle you are in for a lifetime of battling spoiled kids. Raising kids!!!! .... been there and done that, they're now 32 and 27.
This situation isn't all on you, raising kids ain't for whimps you need hubby in your corner 100%.0 -
Typically 5.30-6pm. But they started eating well when my husband bribed them with dessert if they finished their dinner...
This is not about the beautiful twins. This is about you and your husband. I hope he can get on board.
Finally a reply that mentions your husband. He needs to get on board with your concerns and attempts at curbing this situation. If he wants to buy the sweet juices, he likes so much, tell him to get the crap at work and not bring it home. By your husband using bribes to get them to finish dinner and having the sweets at home he is being counter productive to everything you are trying to do. Kids learn by example and he has to be part of the GOOD example. Parenting is about both parents keeping a united front. Divide and conquer seems to a natural ability of kids. PARENTS run the house, especially at that age. If you don't win this battle you are in for a lifetime of battling spoiled kids. Raising kids!!!! .... been there and done that, they're now 32 and 27.
This situation isn't all on you, raising kids ain't for whimps you need hubby in your corner 100%.
Yep!
Also, one thing my friend's dad does is keep all his treats stored in another room. If he wants juice/snacks/candy, he should keep them stored in the garage, the basement, ect. Somewhere out of reach for the kids. But he also cannot be bribing them with said stash if he goes that route.
You can't force him to change his eating habits, but you can encourage him to stay united with you and keep that food out of the kitchen. I would also discuss this in depth with him, so you both can create a plan together, and stick to it.0
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