A registered dietitian argues that parents can reduce children's overeating of candy by allowing greater autonomy around sweets rather than restricting access.
Research suggests that food restriction can backfire. When parents openly limit candy or hide it from children, kids may become preoccupied with those forbidden foods. This preoccupation can make it harder for children to recognize their own fullness cues when they finally get access to treats, potentially leading to overconsumption.
The author recommends an approach based on the Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding, developed by the Ellyn Satter Institute. In this framework, parents decide when and what food is served, while children decide what and how much to eat from their plates. Candy can be included regularly in meal rotations rather than reserved for special occasions, which reduces its power and specialness.
The author suggests that consistently using neutral language about food, avoiding moral judgments like "good" and "bad," helps children build healthier relationships with eating. When treats become normal parts of the food landscape rather than restricted rewards, children are more likely to eat according to their hunger and fullness signals.
Practical steps include involving children in meal planning and grocery shopping, serving all foods at once rather than saving dessert as a reward, and avoiding praise or criticism of specific food choices. The author notes that parental modeling matters. Children watch how adults handle their own food choices and cravings.
The author allows her three children to eat unrestricted amounts of candy on Halloween, then discusses how large amounts affect their bodies without judgment.