Mom struggles keeping the sweets in check
Dear Amy: I was not raised with an excess of sweets in our home, though we had normal celebratory treats (occasional desserts, birthday cakes, etc.).
I struggle with my weight, and do not want my children (a boy and a girl in early elementary school) to inherit this challenge.
Also, I notice that sugar negatively impacts their behavior, temperament and focus. Diabetes runs on both sides of the family.
My mother-in-law continuously sends us cookies and sweets for almost every holiday. She also has bowls of candy throughout her home whenever we are over.
I have tried calmly addressing this with her, both privately and in front of other family members. My husband has a sweet tooth too, but overall agrees with me.
For Valentine's Day, she gave each child at least 15 large pieces of chocolate and candy, including a heart-shaped box of chocolate for each.
How can I address this with her? I feel that she does not respect our goals for good health. I would feel this way if this was my mother, or any other family member, plying the kids with sugar.
-- Feeling Low about the Sugar Highs
Dear Feeling Low: Young children are very trainable, even if their grandparents are not.
Your kids are learning about healthy eating and nutrition at home and at school.
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