Growing up, I didn’t always have the best role models when it came to healthy relationships with food. So, when I became a mom to three girls, I made it a priority to ensure that this aspect of their upbringing was handled well.
Like any parent, I’m sure I’ve made mistakes along the way. However, I’ve put in considerable effort to demonstrate to my daughters, through my own example, what it means to have a positive body image and to not obsess over food.
For me, it’s about maintaining a balance of nutritious foods most of the time while also allowing for treats when the occasion calls for it. Whether it’s baking cookies on a rainy day, indulging in dessert when dining out, or occasionally saying “yes” to their favorite candies at the store, I believe in enjoying food in moderation.
My admiration for Sarah Jessica Parker only grew stronger when I heard her recent comments about treats and her approach to raising her kids. In a podcast interview, the “And Just Like That…” star shared that during her own childhood, she and her siblings were restricted from having cookies and chocolate. Consequently, as soon as they moved out, they stocked up on treats like Entenmann’s cakes and cookies.
However, Parker has chosen a different path in raising her own children, including her twin girls and son. She emphasized the importance of creating a healthier relationship with food by allowing treats in their household. She wants her daughters to have a positive association with food and to maintain a healthy balance.
While I wholeheartedly agree with Parker’s perspective, I wanted to consult experts about her approach to sugar for her kids, which aligns closely with my own beliefs.
Judy Ho, PhD, ABPP, ABPdN, emphasizes that restricting sweets for kids can send the wrong message and may lead to feelings of guilt and shame surrounding food. She stresses the importance of allowing treats in moderation to prevent unhealthy eating habits and negative associations with food.
Tami Best, MS, RDN, IFNCP, echoes the idea of balance and warns against completely avoiding sweets at home, as it may create a stigma around certain foods. However, she cautions against a “free-for-all” environment, which could lead to overconsumption of processed and sugary foods.
Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, emphasizes finding a middle ground between limiting and banning sweets, promoting health, moderation, and a positive relationship with food. Encouraging regular physical activity is also crucial in supporting overall well-being.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is the importance of balance when it comes to allowing treats for kids. Finding that middle ground can help foster healthy eating habits and a positive attitude toward food—a lesson I strive to impart to my own children, just like Sarah Jessica Parker.
