We had the same juice struggle—my son acted like water was some sort of punishment. I totally agree about the family brushing thing, though. Once we all started doing it together, it felt less like a chore and more like a goofy routine (we even made up a silly song). But here’s my question: did you ever get pushback from grandparents or other family about “depriving” your kid of treats? I swear, every visit turns into a debate about “just one cookie won’t hurt,” and it drives me nuts. How do you handle that without turning into the sugar police?
Oh man, the grandparent sugar debate is so real. My mom used to sneak my kids those little “just one” candies, and I’d feel like the bad guy for saying no. Eventually, I just started bringing our own snacks to family get-togethers—less drama that way. And honestly, I try to remind myself it’s not about being perfect, just consistent most of the time. A cookie here and there isn’t the end of the world, but I totally get how it can feel like you’re fighting an uphill battle.
Bringing your own snacks is such a game-changer, right? I started doing that too, especially since some of the “treats” at family gatherings can be pretty pricey (and honestly, not even that tasty). I found that if I packed a mix of fruit and a couple of homemade muffins, my kids didn’t feel left out, and it helped keep the peace. I totally agree—consistency matters more than perfection. We still have the occasional cookie, but I figure as long as the daily stuff is under control, it’s not worth stressing over every single treat.
I found that if I packed a mix of fruit and a couple of homemade muffins, my kids didn’t feel left out, and it helped keep the peace.
That’s exactly what I started doing after my youngest had a meltdown over skipping the store-bought cupcakes. Throwing some grapes and banana bread into my bag saved us more than once. Honestly, the “treats” at most gatherings aren’t worth the sugar crash later. We let the kids have a cookie here and there too, but like you said, as long as the daily habits are solid, it’s not a big deal. Consistency really does make way more difference than being super strict.
as long as the daily habits are solid, it’s not a big deal.
I wish I could relax about it, but my kiddo’s teeth just seem extra sensitive. Even with “good habits,” we still ended up with a couple of cavities after too many “occasional” treats. Maybe I’m overly cautious, but I really have to watch every little thing or we pay for it later. Sometimes I feel like even fruit is pushing our luck...
