This may seem strange to say in a blog that is largely dedicated to my baking pursuits, but my 3 year old son doesn't eat candy.
We decided when he was young, that he doesn't need candy, or chocolates, or cake or other sugar-laden treats. It's not necessary for his physical development at this age. And if he's hungry or peckish, we'd much rather he ate some nutrient-rich fruit or yoghurt or other healthful snack. He has his entire life to indulge, if he so wishes, in sweet-treats. We don't need to encourage him at this age. Especially since there is a history of diabetes on my side of the family.
Of course, we can't control what he eats in school. He has eaten birthday cakes. But I'm glad to report, he exercises self-control in school, and would sometimes choose to skip the cake and he never touches the candy. He's just not too interested. (In fact, he tried some ice-cream, and told the teacher he didn't like it much.)
And at some point, we will allow him the odd cake, or chocolate as special treats and not as a matter of routine.
The fact that we don't allow candy comes as a surprise to many people. An acquaintance who heard about our practice told us straight-faced that our son doesn't have a childhood.
Apart from the fact that I don't think this person, who doesn't know us very well, has any right to pass judgement on our parenting skills, I am taken aback that she thinks that having candy is a good measure of the quality of a person's childhood.
And she is not alone.
My mother-in-law thought we were being cruel to our son when he couldn't have any of her birthday cake (look, he wasn't even interested. He was more interested in blowing out the candles.) She's gotten used to our rules now, but she's passed the word around, such that our relatives would comment on it when they see us!
We take it in our stride, as we've come to realise that the candy culture in childhood in Singapore is so pervasive. At childrens' parties, even at school, the kids would be served candy, and then given goody bags filled with candy. At sunday school snack-time, even for the little-uns, candy would be served. Well-meaning "aunties" would proffer candy to the kids to keep them quiet (even though, in about 15 mins, after the sugar high kicked in, this tactic would totally backfire).
We don't think our children need to be a part of this. And we will stand our ground. Our son my not be as chubby as the other kid who is given a slice of cheesecake every day (Yes! This is a true story!). But he doesn't have to be. He is well-nourished and healthy.
And he has enough playtime, and love to ensure that he has a rolling good childhood.
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