Valentine’s Day is often filled with sweet treats. In elementary school there’s most likely some type of party with a card exchange. In middle school and high, many kids bring in cupcakes or candy to share with their friends at lunch. Valentine’s Day and Halloween often come with the inevitably high levels of manifestations of ADHD.
A notable study mentioned in connection with food additives, including sugar and HFCS (high-fructose corn-syrup), was conducted by McCann et al. (2007). This study found that certain artificial colors and preservatives could exacerbate hyperactivity in children, leading to fears of sugary diets, including those high in HFCS, potentially increasing symptoms in prone individuals. A broader article looking at neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and ASD, addresses how diets rich in sugars, particularly those containing HFCS, can have negative impacts on mental health and development (Gómez-Pinilla, 2008). Another research review discusses how high intake of fructose, commonly associated with HFCS, might influence metabolic pathways and brain function, potentially affecting behaviors related to ADHD (Lustig & Schmidt, 2016).
Then there are the food dyes, which encompasses the traditional red color of Valentine's Day. The study by McCann et al. (2007) found that a mixture of artificial food colorings, including Red 40, and preservatives can exacerbate hyperactivity in children. A systematic review highlights the associations between artificial food colorings (including red dyes) and behavioral changes in children, particularly focusing on populations with attention-related issues. Another review highlights the associations between artificial food colorings (including red dyes) and behavioral changes in children, particularly focusing on populations with attention-related issues (Bateman, B., et al.2004).
For parents who are raising children with neurological differences, we are often well aware of these manifestations, which unfortunately makes class parties and cupcakes a trigger rather than a celebration. Our kids come home over stimulated and tired in addition to a sugar crash that makes the evenings and the next day extremely difficult.
So what do we do? We can’t just keep our kids home. We also want them to enjoy these fun days at school.
Setting Clear Expectations
Before the event kicks off, it's essential to set the stage with clear expectations. Have a conversation with your children about the importance of moderation in candy consumption. Explain why it’s important not to go overboard and how they can enjoy their treats without excess. Establishing a plan, such as how many pieces are reasonable to consume during the event, can make all the difference.
Encouraging Moderation
Moderation can be a fun challenge, rather than a restriction. Encourage kids to savor each piece of candy instead of devouring it quickly. One way to frame this is as a game: who can make their treats last the longest? This approach not only helps in reducing consumption but also teaches kids to appreciate their treats more mindfully.
Healthier Alternatives with a Treat-like Appeal
Surprisingly, healthier alternatives can be just as appealing as traditional candy. Consider offering options such as fruit skewers. These items can be creatively packaged to look just as enticing as commercial sweets. Presenting them attractively can make them a popular choice among children. Obviously the nut options, like yogurt covered nuts, would be great as long as the nut allergy within the class is clear.
Interactive and Engaging Alternatives
Introduce activities that involve candy but don't necessarily focus on eating it. For example, use candies for craft projects or science experiments. This method shifts the focus from consumption to creativity and learning, adding an educational spin to the event.
Involving Kids in the Process
When kids have a hand in choosing and preparing healthier treats, they’re more likely to enjoy them. Organize a pre-event cooking session where children can participate in making fun, nutritious snacks. This involvement makes them feel invested in their choices and proud of what they’ve created.
Educator and Parent Collaboration
A united front from both educators and parents is crucial in promoting mindful candy consumption. Schools can reinforce messages of moderation through themed events that promote balance and health. Parents and teachers working together can effectively model and instill lifelong healthy eating habits. Creating a fruit bar where kids can make their own skewers can be fun, possibly sticky, but fun. Kids can choose from the fruits displayed and use utensils to put in their own bowls and make the skewers at their seat. And, teachers, that can kill some serious Friday afternoon time.
Just Accept Your Fate
As much as I would like to pretend that all these options would prevent my child from eating 42 Skittles, 18 Nerds Clusters, and 3 Lollipops, I am also a realist. There are some days I just have to shrug my shoulders, give them a massive amount of protein for dinner, and a gallon of water so they get it all out of their system. And realize tomorrow is not going to be our favorite day.
BUT, if my kid thinks yesterday was…then maybe that’s ok
A notable study mentioned in connection with food additives, including sugar and HFCS (high-fructose corn-syrup), was conducted by McCann et al. (2007). This study found that certain artificial colors and preservatives could exacerbate hyperactivity in children, leading to fears of sugary diets, including those high in HFCS, potentially increasing symptoms in prone individuals. A broader article looking at neurodevelopmental disorders, including ADHD and ASD, addresses how diets rich in sugars, particularly those containing HFCS, can have negative impacts on mental health and development (Gómez-Pinilla, 2008). Another research review discusses how high intake of fructose, commonly associated with HFCS, might influence metabolic pathways and brain function, potentially affecting behaviors related to ADHD (Lustig & Schmidt, 2016).
Then there are the food dyes, which encompasses the traditional red color of Valentine's Day. The study by McCann et al. (2007) found that a mixture of artificial food colorings, including Red 40, and preservatives can exacerbate hyperactivity in children. A systematic review highlights the associations between artificial food colorings (including red dyes) and behavioral changes in children, particularly focusing on populations with attention-related issues. Another review highlights the associations between artificial food colorings (including red dyes) and behavioral changes in children, particularly focusing on populations with attention-related issues (Bateman, B., et al.2004).
For parents who are raising children with neurological differences, we are often well aware of these manifestations, which unfortunately makes class parties and cupcakes a trigger rather than a celebration. Our kids come home over stimulated and tired in addition to a sugar crash that makes the evenings and the next day extremely difficult.
So what do we do? We can’t just keep our kids home. We also want them to enjoy these fun days at school.
Setting Clear Expectations
Before the event kicks off, it's essential to set the stage with clear expectations. Have a conversation with your children about the importance of moderation in candy consumption. Explain why it’s important not to go overboard and how they can enjoy their treats without excess. Establishing a plan, such as how many pieces are reasonable to consume during the event, can make all the difference.
Encouraging Moderation
Moderation can be a fun challenge, rather than a restriction. Encourage kids to savor each piece of candy instead of devouring it quickly. One way to frame this is as a game: who can make their treats last the longest? This approach not only helps in reducing consumption but also teaches kids to appreciate their treats more mindfully.
Healthier Alternatives with a Treat-like Appeal
Surprisingly, healthier alternatives can be just as appealing as traditional candy. Consider offering options such as fruit skewers. These items can be creatively packaged to look just as enticing as commercial sweets. Presenting them attractively can make them a popular choice among children. Obviously the nut options, like yogurt covered nuts, would be great as long as the nut allergy within the class is clear.
Interactive and Engaging Alternatives
Introduce activities that involve candy but don't necessarily focus on eating it. For example, use candies for craft projects or science experiments. This method shifts the focus from consumption to creativity and learning, adding an educational spin to the event.
Involving Kids in the Process
When kids have a hand in choosing and preparing healthier treats, they’re more likely to enjoy them. Organize a pre-event cooking session where children can participate in making fun, nutritious snacks. This involvement makes them feel invested in their choices and proud of what they’ve created.
Educator and Parent Collaboration
A united front from both educators and parents is crucial in promoting mindful candy consumption. Schools can reinforce messages of moderation through themed events that promote balance and health. Parents and teachers working together can effectively model and instill lifelong healthy eating habits. Creating a fruit bar where kids can make their own skewers can be fun, possibly sticky, but fun. Kids can choose from the fruits displayed and use utensils to put in their own bowls and make the skewers at their seat. And, teachers, that can kill some serious Friday afternoon time.
Just Accept Your Fate
As much as I would like to pretend that all these options would prevent my child from eating 42 Skittles, 18 Nerds Clusters, and 3 Lollipops, I am also a realist. There are some days I just have to shrug my shoulders, give them a massive amount of protein for dinner, and a gallon of water so they get it all out of their system. And realize tomorrow is not going to be our favorite day.
BUT, if my kid thinks yesterday was…then maybe that’s ok
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