10/21/2026
Unpopular opinion: We need to stop using junk food as a way to show kids we love them. šš¼
And before someone takes this the wrong way, Iām not talking about birthday cake, ice cream on a summer night, or making Christmas cookies during the family traditions.
Iām talking about the adults who intentionally offer children candy, artificially dyed drinks, and sugar-loaded snacks simply because ātheyāre kidsā or āitās fun to spoil them.ā
As a Registered Dietitian AND a mom, hereās what I wish more people understood:
Children donāt need ultra-processed food to have a magical childhood. And no, my kids arenāt missing out or having a life thatās āless thanā because weāve made this choice.
Their bodies are growing.
Their brains are developing.
Their taste preferences are forming.
And the habits we help them build now can influence their relationship with food for years to come.
A few things worth considering:
š„ Added sugar: Excessive added sugar can displace nutrient-dense foods that provide the protein, iron, calcium, fiber, and other nutrients growing bodies need.
š Artificial food dyes: Certain synthetic food dyes have been associated with increased hyperactivity or behavioral symptoms in some susceptible children. Not every child reacts the same way, but itās a reasonable ingredient for parents to choose to limit. This one is incredibly relevant in our home so please know, youāre not alone in dealing with the 12-hour withdrawal behavior period in your child(ren) too.
š§ Food rewards: When we consistently use candy and sweets as rewards, bribes, or expressions of affection, we can unintentionally teach children to associate these foods with approval, comfort, and celebration.
š„© Nutrient density: Kids have relatively small stomachs and significant nutritional needs.
What we feed them regularly matters.
But hereās the part I feel most strongly about:
šØWhen a parent tells you what they do or donāt want their child eating, you donāt have to agree with their decision. But you do need to respect it.šØ
It doesnāt matter if you raised your own children differently.
It doesnāt matter if you think the parents are being too strict. In fact, it doesnāt matter what you think about it at all.
And it certainly doesnāt matter if āwe ate that growing up and turned out fine.ā
Parents are allowed to make intentional decisions about what goes into their childrenās bodies without having to defend those decisions to everyone around them.
And grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends? You have SO many opportunities to make memories that have absolutely nothing to do with food.
Take them outside.
Let them help you bake something.
Read them a book.
Teach them something.
Go feed the calves.
Get your hands dirty.
Spend time together.
Show them how to build something.
Be the reason they remember feeling loved, not just the person who always handed them candy.
Iām not raising my children to fear food. Iām raising them to understand that food is fuel, nourishment, culture, and sometimes just plain enjoyment.
My almost 4 year old can identify her protein, carbs & antioxidants on her plate because weāve talked about how they fuel her body.
She can also tell you how crazy/silly/naughty her brain and body feel after she eats something that āmight not be the best choice for our body.ā
Thereās room for birthday cake.
Thereās room for special treats.
But thereās also room for boundaries, intentional nutrition, and respecting the parents who are trying to raise healthy kids. Chances are, theyāre trying to do a little better by their kids for a reason.
Childhood should absolutely be sweet.
But sweetness doesnāt always have to come from sugar. š¤
ā A dietitian whoās also a mama, and cares deeply about both.
If youāre struggling to have this conversation with people who might need to understand this a little better, share this. Iāll do it for you šš½
