kids sneaking sweets.

hideouse · 08-06-2006, 10:04 AM

My first and third children have been found out: they are pilfering sweets and snacks out of the cupboard to their rooms and indulging themselves at night. My wife and I object to this because of the potential to attract ants and other vermin, and because we object to the secretiveness of the acts which we fear will prove to form a habit of deceit.
We've tried to permit late night snacking in the kitchen; No help. WE've tried threats and intimidation; no help.
Our latest attempt is to remove the temptations. No more sweets in the house.
I'm open to suggestions. You got any?

glatt · 08-06-2006, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hideouse

Our latest attempt is to remove the temptations. No more sweets in the house.
I'm open to suggestions. You got any?

There's your answer.

If you buy sweets again, buy just enough for one snack, and eat them the same day as the grocery shopping. Then you don't have to police.

Another thought: Just get ice cream. They can't hide that in their rooms.

jeff daniels · 09-14-2010, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glatt

There's your answer.

If you buy sweets again, buy just enough for one snack, and eat them the same day as the grocery shopping. Then you don't have to police.

Another thought: Just get ice cream. They can't hide that in their rooms.

Haha.. just buy ice cream - I just discovered a half eaten melted container of ice cream next to my home office desk (so sly - leaving the evidence right where I work). I agree with so and so... just don't buy sweets and stock the house with healthy food... in the long run... it'll pay off... your child won't become a part of the millions of obese fat asses rolling around the planet.
Also... we try to make sweets at home... and unfortunately pop culture has all ready sunk it's claws into this 7yr old and he's most often only attracted to the crap that comes off the grocery shelf in pretty child friendly packages and or fa$T food joints... if he eats home made sweets it's only because it resembles some branded crap that he saw somewhere.

Trilby · 08-06-2006, 11:15 AM

My son (14) would eat every bite of chocolate in the house within minutes of getting home from the grocery with it. Now I have Secret Chocolate--I buy it and HIDE it! Works great! Then if he or I have the undeniable chocolate jones, I rustle some up from my hiding place-voila! My son only asks, "Do you have any Secret Chocolate?" about once a week.

zippyt · 08-06-2006, 11:24 AM

Our latest attempt is to remove the temptations. No more sweets in the house.

Outa site outa mind !!

Ibby · 08-06-2006, 11:26 AM

How old are they?

hideouse · 08-07-2006, 07:23 AM

The two who are taking the sweets are nine and four years old.
on a side note, the personalities involved are interesting. the eight year old is not involved in the sneakiness. and the two year old isn't able to participate yet.
Secret chocolate is a tempting idea, but my wife and I wouldn't leave it alone. She occasionally makes cookies and such instead.

Ibby · 08-07-2006, 11:38 AM

the nine year old, i think you could stand to start giving a meager allowance (like, a dollar a week or something), and tell to buy their own candy or else they wont get any.

The four year old, I don't know.

Flint · 08-07-2006, 11:57 AM

My older brother was hyper-active, and our family doctor recomended he stop eating sugar (this was before the age of zombie medication). So, we all stopped eating crap sugar foods. We didn't have it in the house.

Snack food isn't good, for anybody. You would be better off just eating healthier. I'm not trying to preach at you, I'm just saying it can be done.

Jaydaan · 08-07-2006, 10:28 PM

We have changed to healthier snack choices as well.. but about once a week( lately once a paydate.. so once every 2 weeks, I suppose) we have a family dinner night.. this is something sinful, and messy, and most likely not great for you. Such as natchoes with pounds of cheese, deep fried goodies, tacos etc.. fun foods that are usually finger foods. We pick a movie, make dinner as a family ( even the 2 year old can get things out of the fridge, or help put napkins on the table) Then we treat ourselves to dessert. Chocolate bars, cookies, a pie.. whatever. This takes all night.. even when we "just make pizza" But its a blast! And now we all look forward to our treat night.

The rest of the week its, yogurt, crackers and cheese, fruit, low salt pretzles etc...

melidasaur · 08-07-2006, 11:29 PM

I'm not a parent, but this is my thought. Make sure that you aren't doing anything to make your children feel ashamed about eating. Sometimes, when kids feel ashamed about eating or their body image, they will resort to hiding food and eating it in private where they don't feel scrutinized. Body image issues can start as early as 7 - or so I've heard - so your oldest one may be dealing with feelings of this. The 4 year old - maybe mimicing the older siblings behavior.

I guess what I'm trying to say is - make sure your kids know that it's okay to eat - and they are growing and it's perfectly okay for them to eat and they can eat out in the open. Maybe do something fun in the kitchen or family room and make a snacking area - like some fun bowls and plates, placemats, etc - make it a party whenever you and your family share in a special treat. Your kids will associate snacktime with family and fun and hopefully they will keep the food out of their rooms.

When I was studying for the bar exam a few weeks ago, I did eat in my room, but because I couldn't get any peace and quiet anywhere else whilst studying and eating.

LabRat · 08-09-2006, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by melidasaur

Sometimes, when kids feel ashamed about eating or their body image, they will resort to hiding food and eating it in private where they don't feel scrutinized.

I had not thought of this, thanks for pointing it out.

Good to think about if ANY behavior is hidden.

melidasaur · 08-10-2006, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LabRat

I had not thought of this, thanks for pointing it out.

Good to think about if ANY behavior is hidden.

My dad is very good at making people feel bad for eating, so it has been some what of an issue for me and my siblings while growing up.

hideouse · 08-10-2006, 11:31 AM

My Dear Spouse has taken exception to my presentation of our circumstance. I have neglected to mention that we have always fed the family a variety of what we think are healthy and tasty snacks, specifically bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, popcorn, hummus, chips and salsa, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, etc., etc. the kids have a plentiful and varied diet. They ask for asparagus, oyster, salmon, brussel sprouts, kimchi, fried seaweed, God knows what else.
The eldest is _not_ body self conscious, of that I am certain. While we do know other families who have inadvertantly made their kids paranoid about over eating, I don't think we have that problem in our house.
I think he simply likes the sweets and decided that he wanted more. So not letting him teach himself over indulgence is my only real issue at the moment.

Sundae · 08-08-2006, 07:05 AM

My parents were very teeth-conscious, having had bad trouble with their own teeth. Our sugar intake was very carefully monitored - sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate and ice cream were rarely in the house. Even squash (concentrated fruit drink diluted with water) and biscuits were kept out of our reach and dispensed by Mum.

Also, growing up in the '70s to working class parents meant that money was limited so meals were filling and nutritious and the concept of snacking virtually non-existent. It was a real culture shock to go to a friend's house and watch her help herself to Cheddars (cheese biscuits) or a packet of crisps from the cupboard. If we were hungry we waited for dinner. If we had had dinner it was tough, we should have eaten more at the table.

So we didn't hide sweets/ snacks and eat them in our rooms. But if we were given an errand to run we sneaked off to the sweetshop and blew our pocket money on rubbish, and gorged ourselves all the way home. We took the long way back to avoid going past Mum's friend's house, in case she saw us. We'd go into our next neighbour's garden to put the evidence in the bin before arriving home all innocent.

I think sneakiness is part of being a child. Like riding on the crossbar of your friend's bike - you know it's wrong, you know why it's wrong, you wouldn't want your Mum to know - but oooooh, it's just so good!

I honestly wouldn't worry about the deceit.

08-06-2006, 10:04 AM	#1
hideouse Coronation Incarnate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 91	kids sneaking sweets. My first and third children have been found out: they are pilfering sweets and snacks out of the cupboard to their rooms and indulging themselves at night. My wife and I object to this because of the potential to attract ants and other vermin, and because we object to the secretiveness of the acts which we fear will prove to form a habit of deceit. We've tried to permit late night snacking in the kitchen; No help. WE've tried threats and intimidation; no help. Our latest attempt is to remove the temptations. No more sweets in the house. I'm open to suggestions. You got any? __________________ If you need a straight line, I've usually got a few to spare.

08-06-2006, 11:15 AM	#4
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	My son (14) would eat every bite of chocolate in the house within minutes of getting home from the grocery with it. Now I have Secret Chocolate--I buy it and HIDE it! Works great! Then if he or I have the undeniable chocolate jones, I rustle some up from my hiding place-voila! My son only asks, "Do you have any Secret Chocolate?" about once a week. __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

08-06-2006, 11:24 AM	#5
zippyt LONG LIVE KING ZIPPY! per Feetz Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Arkansas Posts: 7,661	Our latest attempt is to remove the temptations. No more sweets in the house. Outa site outa mind !! __________________ "Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get. " Brother Dave Gardner

08-06-2006, 11:26 AM	#6
Ibby erika Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "the high up north" Posts: 6,127	How old are they? __________________ not really back, you didn't see me, i was never here shhhhhh

08-07-2006, 07:23 AM	#7
hideouse Coronation Incarnate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 91	sneaky kids. The two who are taking the sweets are nine and four years old. on a side note, the personalities involved are interesting. the eight year old is not involved in the sneakiness. and the two year old isn't able to participate yet. Secret chocolate is a tempting idea, but my wife and I wouldn't leave it alone. She occasionally makes cookies and such instead. __________________ If you need a straight line, I've usually got a few to spare.

08-07-2006, 11:38 AM	#8
Ibby erika Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: "the high up north" Posts: 6,127	the nine year old, i think you could stand to start giving a meager allowance (like, a dollar a week or something), and tell to buy their own candy or else they wont get any. The four year old, I don't know. __________________ not really back, you didn't see me, i was never here shhhhhh

08-07-2006, 11:57 AM	#9
Flint Snowflake Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Dystopia Posts: 13,136	My older brother was hyper-active, and our family doctor recomended he stop eating sugar (this was before the age of zombie medication). So, we all stopped eating crap sugar foods. We didn't have it in the house. Snack food isn't good, for anybody. You would be better off just eating healthier. I'm not trying to preach at you, I'm just saying it can be done. __________________ **************** There's a level of facility that everyone needs to accomplish, and from there it's a matter of deciding for yourself how important ultra-facility is to your expression. ... I found, like Joseph Campbell said, if you just follow whatever gives you a little joy or excitement or awe, then you're on the right track. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Terry Bozzio**

08-07-2006, 10:28 PM	#10
Jaydaan Knight of the Oval-Shaped Conference Table Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Vernon, BC, Canada Posts: 378	We have changed to healthier snack choices as well.. but about once a week( lately once a paydate.. so once every 2 weeks, I suppose) we have a family dinner night.. this is something sinful, and messy, and most likely not great for you. Such as natchoes with pounds of cheese, deep fried goodies, tacos etc.. fun foods that are usually finger foods. We pick a movie, make dinner as a family ( even the 2 year old can get things out of the fridge, or help put napkins on the table) Then we treat ourselves to dessert. Chocolate bars, cookies, a pie.. whatever. This takes all night.. even when we "just make pizza" But its a blast! And now we all look forward to our treat night. The rest of the week its, yogurt, crackers and cheese, fruit, low salt pretzles etc...

08-07-2006, 11:29 PM	#11
melidasaur Traded your soul for pogs. Join Date: May 2004 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 646	I'm not a parent, but this is my thought. Make sure that you aren't doing anything to make your children feel ashamed about eating. Sometimes, when kids feel ashamed about eating or their body image, they will resort to hiding food and eating it in private where they don't feel scrutinized. Body image issues can start as early as 7 - or so I've heard - so your oldest one may be dealing with feelings of this. The 4 year old - maybe mimicing the older siblings behavior. I guess what I'm trying to say is - make sure your kids know that it's okay to eat - and they are growing and it's perfectly okay for them to eat and they can eat out in the open. Maybe do something fun in the kitchen or family room and make a snacking area - like some fun bowls and plates, placemats, etc - make it a party whenever you and your family share in a special treat. Your kids will associate snacktime with family and fun and hopefully they will keep the food out of their rooms. When I was studying for the bar exam a few weeks ago, I did eat in my room, but because I couldn't get any peace and quiet anywhere else whilst studying and eating. __________________ I love England, what can I say?

08-10-2006, 11:31 AM	#14
hideouse Coronation Incarnate Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 91	Minor additional detail My Dear Spouse has taken exception to my presentation of our circumstance. I have neglected to mention that we have always fed the family a variety of what we think are healthy and tasty snacks, specifically bananas, apples, grapes, oranges, grapefruit, popcorn, hummus, chips and salsa, tomatoes, cucumbers, celery, etc., etc. the kids have a plentiful and varied diet. They ask for asparagus, oyster, salmon, brussel sprouts, kimchi, fried seaweed, God knows what else. The eldest is _not_ body self conscious, of that I am certain. While we do know other families who have inadvertantly made their kids paranoid about over eating, I don't think we have that problem in our house. I think he simply likes the sweets and decided that he wanted more. So not letting him teach himself over indulgence is my only real issue at the moment. __________________ If you need a straight line, I've usually got a few to spare.

08-08-2006, 07:05 AM	#15
Sundae polaroid of perfection Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: West Yorkshire Posts: 24,185	My parents were very teeth-conscious, having had bad trouble with their own teeth. Our sugar intake was very carefully monitored - sweets, fizzy drinks, chocolate and ice cream were rarely in the house. Even squash (concentrated fruit drink diluted with water) and biscuits were kept out of our reach and dispensed by Mum. Also, growing up in the '70s to working class parents meant that money was limited so meals were filling and nutritious and the concept of snacking virtually non-existent. It was a real culture shock to go to a friend's house and watch her help herself to Cheddars (cheese biscuits) or a packet of crisps from the cupboard. If we were hungry we waited for dinner. If we had had dinner it was tough, we should have eaten more at the table. So we didn't hide sweets/ snacks and eat them in our rooms. But if we were given an errand to run we sneaked off to the sweetshop and blew our pocket money on rubbish, and gorged ourselves all the way home. We took the long way back to avoid going past Mum's friend's house, in case she saw us. We'd go into our next neighbour's garden to put the evidence in the bin before arriving home all innocent. I think sneakiness is part of being a child. Like riding on the crossbar of your friend's bike - you know it's wrong, you know why it's wrong, you wouldn't want your Mum to know - but oooooh, it's just so good! I honestly wouldn't worry about the deceit. __________________ Life's hard you know, so strike a pose on a Cadillac

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