Such an interesting area, this. There was an article on the subject in The Times yesterday (written by Peta Bee, who as we all know made a great job of explaining BLW, but let's give her the opportunity to redeem herself.) In a way it's money for old rope journalism, don't make a fuss, don't ban anything, enjoy your mealtimes... seems very obvious to me, but at least it confirms the minimal stress approach of BLW.
Anyway, Lin's question is below, it's a goodie.
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Lin's question about food as treats and yesterday's article in The Times
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Re: Lin's question about food as treats and yesterday's article in The Times
by
EmilyinFrance
on Fri 24 Aug 2007 12:11 BST | Profile | Permanent Link
This is a really interesting area, I think. I completely agree that we don't want sugary things, as 'treats' to become something desirable and forbidden. Lottie, at 13 months, is *never* offered chocolate etc, or even a normal biscuit, which seems fairly obvious - but will this mean that the things I don't give her will develop a huge allure as she becomes aware that they exist? Like you, I can't believe I really should be feeding her rubbish just to stop it having a mystique.
And with my older two, 5 and 3, I've struggled with the 'treat' thing a lot. Because I'm not the only one who has influence over them - they go to friends' houses and come back saying 'we had bread and chocolate spread!' And I say, 'well, lucky you, there's none of that round here, is there?' and they say 'why not?' 'because too much of that isn't good for you.' 'But Simon has it every day' etc. Likewise, grandparents play their part... So the things we try not to eat a lot of *are* now seen as exciting, and these days, we can't drive past golden arches without a chorus of 'can we go to mcdonald's??' Even though they know the answer. So in short, I don't know, but I feel that allowing occasional bits of sugary fare into an otherwise sensible diet (well done, Peta Bee) is probably the only way to go. At least as adults they won't be assuming they can eat junk every day. E x Re: Lin's question about food as treats and yesterday's article in The Times
by
Bunny
on Fri 24 Aug 2007 13:39 BST | Profile | Permanent Link
First off, I don't think the BLW child centred thing conflicts at all with parental control over the food offered. After all, they don't wander into the kitchen at 9 months old and say "you know what Mum, I really fancy Kate's pesto rice cakes today"! We decide WHAT they eat - they decide HOW (and whether, of course!)
We don't really do treats as such. We do "oh god have this and please stop screaming" - is that the same? Sometimes it's a biscuit, often a smoothie, but just as good is a chunk of cucumber or some strong cheese (or in my strange son's case, a spicy prawn!) My husband says that when he was a child, his mum always had at least one cake on the go in the kitchen, and he would invariably have a slice of cake and a drink when he got home from school (in addition to dinner). But then he would spend 2 hours racing around the garden with his brothers. I completely agree with everything in moderation, and no BAD or GOOD foods (except liquorice. Bleugh.) A balanced diet and plenty of exercise, that's the key I think (says chubby Bunny, sat on the sofa with a glass of Coke)... Re: Re: Lin's question about food as treats and yesterday's article in The Times
by
lansgrim
on Fri 24 Aug 2007 16:50 BST | Profile | Permanent Link
Sorry Aitch, just found this, can you erase my reply that's in the wrong place? Grovel, grovel...
I just wanted to say to Lin that this was the way I was brought up (right through until I left home, so toddler years and teen years) and I have never craved junk food - I never buy it and only have it in the house if it has been bought for me (i.e. boxes of chocolate). Because of this I eat a varied diet and have never dieted or calorie counted, I have been a size 10 for most of my adult life thanks to this healthy approach. I enjoy food - I live in France so they kick you out if you don't! and have (I believe) a very healthy attitude to it. I hope to pass this on to Munchkin too. Re: Lin's question about food as treats and yesterday's article in The Times
by
Mij
on Wed 19 Sep 2007 22:41 BST | Profile | Permanent Link
I've experimented with a bit of reverse psychology, by 'hiding' a clementine or banana in my, sorry, 'our' bag - Izzymouse insists on regular rummage, particularly when she's peckish or just punting, and if she catches a glimpse of any food stuff she didn't know was there then that is absolutely what she has to have right now.
I have had to give up the large amounts of cake I was consuming at our local park cafes, as she's now decided she likes it, and it doesn't feel right refusing her food that I'm 'allowed', particularly when I'm scoffing it right under her nose. As she can see into our cupboards from her high chair, I think that, sadly, our biscuit stash will have to go the same way. Trackbacks
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Given that I have always struggled with my weight (too much sugar & carbs!) I am really keen to ensure that Small develops a sensible attitude to food - especially sugar. I agree, in principle, that any "treat" becomes inherently desirable but can't shake a gut feeling that lifting all embargoes can't be the right way to go either.
Puddings on a Sunday were a treat as a kid but because they were part of a routine, we always knew they were coming and didn't pester for them midweek. Likewise, we knew that there was special food for birthdays or Christmas and those kind of foods weren't forthcoming at any other time.
I'd like Small to know that sugar, in the processed form of biscuits or puddings, is something to be eaten in moderation when compared to fruit. Therefore, building them into her diet in the correct ratio should teach her what is a reasonable amount. To that end, I have been trying to incorporate this principle as part of her diet from about 10 months.
Personally I am (theoretically) against any use of food as a bribe or incentive for "good" behaviour as it disrupts the whole philosophy that I have just outlined! How well I stick to that theory when coming under pressure from a willful toddler - who knows? Maybe "clementines as bribe" will come into play!
Now, I am aware that this whole topic is potentially inflammatory and that there will be plenty of differing opinions so I am really interested in what everyone else thinks. Especially as to how to combine the BLW child-centred principle with the parental control over what is offered!"