School Age Questions - Smart Love Answers

How do I combat my child’s excessive sweet tooth?

What is the best way to restrict candy and sweets? My eight-year-old has 
a real sweet tooth, but she also has three fillings. Fortunately, they were 
in her baby teeth, but the dentist is concerned that if she doesn’t change 
her eating habits, her permanent teeth will be affected. The dentist says 
she can have chocolate once in a while if she brushes her teeth immediately 
afterward. 
     My daughter is very upset. Today when I was cleaning out her backpack, 
I found lots of empty candy wrappers. When I confronted her, she said she 
got the candy from friends at school who felt sorry for her. I scolded her, but 
I am still worried that she will beg candy from her friends (and hide the 
wrappers next time.) Suggestions?

L.N., Highland Park

The problem with scolding is that it can teach children to cover up behavior 
they know you won’t like. 
     Forming an alliance with a child is the most effective way to change 
behavior. Sit down with your daughter and review the dentist’s advice, 
including brushing, flossing and the restriction on sweets. Explain that she 
will have her permanent teeth for the rest of her life and that she needs 
to take care of them. Ask her what kind of sweets schedule she can live 
with. Suggest that she eat the allotted chocolate at home when her 
toothbrush is available. If you solicit her input and make sure she feels 
the plan is doable, she will feel she owns it and not that it is being imposed. 
     Encourage her to tell you when she slips and has extra candy by 
promising to rethink the schedule if it proves too difficult. Once your 
daughter feels she can share problems with you, you will be in a much 
better position to help her with solutions in other areas of her life as well 
as in this one.

SCHOOL-AGE Q&A

How do I combat my child’s excessive sweet tooth?