@the.baby.dietitian: Okay, so here are my thoughts. I don't have a certain approach like the switch witch that I use surrounding candy, I just don't make it a big deal. Candy is candy. I am being truthful when I say I have never given my kids the whole basket of halloween candy and said "eat as much as you want" because I haven't needed to. Sullivan ate quite a bit last year while trick or treating and then was exhausted when we got home and went straight to bed.There was no discussion on whether you can have a certain amount or not. I almost think the parental stress around how to approach candy is causing more tension around the subject than it should. What approach works for one family may not work for another. Neurodivergent children or children with other medical conditions that impact appetite and self-regulation need a different approach than those who do not struggle with that. But what I do know is that overly restricting any food (candy or anything else) CAN and usually does leads to a hyperfixation on that said food. Allowing your children time to experience "too much" of something can help them learn their bodies boundaries.  The responsive feeding model encourages parents to decide when the food is offered and the child to decide how much to eat. I usually incorporate candy alongside meals for a few days post halloween without my kids asking. If when I stop they are hyperfixated on it, I may add it back until the excitement wears off. I want candy sometimes too, even on days that are not halloween but after a few pieces I don't want anymore and that is what I want my kiddos to be able to do as well.  Guidelines for under two are more stringent and I have a full guide on this. #halloween #babyled #toddlernutrition #kidsnutrition #dietitianforbaby #babynutrition #infantnutritionist #foodsforbaby #toddlerhalloween

Cindy S. RD, IBCLC

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Thursday 31 October 2024 14:27:53 GMT