Is it ok to give my 15 month old son chocolate every night after dinner?

Sue - posted on 02/21/2010

I know my kid had milk allergies for the 1st 3 years of her life and could not tolerate chocolate. We also didn't like giiving hard candies because of the choking hazzard so she really didn't have many sweet things and now her fav thing to snack on is raw veg. I personally think its building for an unhealthy love of chocolate if you give it every day. Yes on special occasions such as Easter, Christmas or birthday etc but every day ... nope would not do it.

As for the tickles I personally HATE to be tickled .... absolutely hate it so with my little girl I was so careful with it but she is the total opposite. She adores it and comes asking for tickles but she does say stop and we do so instantly and when she regains her calm and breath she comes straight back for more. I also do understand how it can turn into a problem but as long as you are careful and respect the child when they say stop I personally feel its fine.

Nicole - posted on 02/20/2010

I would convince your husband to use something else for bonding. Chocolate is not exactly the kind of thing you want him to eat every night long term with regards to a healthy weight and strong teeth perspective.

Is there a fruit that your son particularly loves that could replace the chocolate and then allow the chocolate as a special treat every once in a while.

Otherwise your son is going to come to expect the chocolate every night and well in typical toddler fashion if it doesn't happen have big melt down.

Bronwyn - posted on 02/20/2010

Thanks every one for your help & advice! I have started introducing my son & husband to strawberries now, my son is not to sure about it at first! But all in good time, he licks it a bit every now & then & plays with the texture.



Kim taylor you are so funny!!! And so true though........ Thanks a mill every one! ! !

Kim - posted on 02/19/2010

I'm with Krystle. Treats here and there won't kill him but he's a little young for a daily chocolate indulgence. It's tricky in my house because my little guy is insanely jealous if his older sisters have the occasional lollipop or other garbage, so I try to give him healthy stuff but I admit he's had candy as well. I wish I'd waited till he's older than two, at least. We're shaping their tastes and preferences, and we're only human - the sweet stuff is addictive. On the other hand, I've seen several kids who have an unhealthy relationship with food because their parents were overly restrictive. Since it's more a bonding experience for your husband and your son, perhaps take a good-natured approach to it all and provide some healthier options for them to share. For example, my kids go gaga over freeze-dried strawberries or fruit leather. Lots of folks show love with food, it's a beautiful thing, but it's best if we limit the empty calories for those fast-growing little bodies. Now, what to do when Grandma loads down the kids with those candy-laden Easter baskets? Oh yeah - mama wolfs it all down after the kids' bedtime. :)

Sunrise - posted on 02/19/2010

OP - There is no way I would give my child sweets, specifically chocolate which can have caffiene, regularly. And to boot, he's doing it late in he day when your child cannot process the amount of sugar or caffiene before it's time to sleep for the night. This has potential for some bad night effects IE very little REM sleep leading to sleepyness or cranyness during the day.
Our LO has never had chocolate, suckers or sweets. She had yellow cake with homemade whipped frosting for her birthday but only had a mouthful or two before exclaiming that she was "all dun". May I ask, what is "adorable"about giving him chocolate that wouldn't be adorable if he were feeding him say a fruit that may be sweet?

Kate - I was a ticklish child and my brother once tickled me until I peed... he was giving me a piggy back ride at the time so the joke was on him. I've not been ticklish since. So I can see where your coming from but have to admit to being a ticker and loving the belly laughs that comes out of my kids. I do respect when they say to stop though. Kuddos to you for doing what you think is best for your family!

Susan - posted on 02/19/2010

I don't see the issue with a piece of candy or a little cookie here and there once in awhile, of course not after every meal or in abundance. Use your own judgement ;)
Kate, no tickling? Really???? Never heard of that before. Our LO asks for tickles.

Krystle - posted on 02/19/2010

I read the link and it makes sense i guess, but it seems to me a bit over the top as i just cant imagine it being such a huge problem. me and my brothers were all tickled as children and we loved it, not just for the attention because we also got lotsa cuddles and attention, the same as my children do now, they will come and get on my lap for cuddles then start tipping there heads back so i can tickle there necks n tummys n legs. They love it and we will do it for agessss with no probs. im usually the 1 who gets sick of it 1st LOL but i can see mabey some children would feel like the link said

Sara - posted on 02/18/2010

How about a comprimise...Chocolate Covered strawberries :) I dunno...I really don't love or hate the idea...I little bit of chocolate is reasonable to me. Everything in moderation, but yet I would throw some other thing instead. We don't give our kids lots of sweets but if we are eating somthing we willl share here and there.

Sarah - posted on 02/18/2010

are you serious?? Wow, does your husband really know what he is doing?? Does he have any idea why childhood obesity and diabetes and high blood pressure and high cholesterol are on the rise??? really?? your baby is 15 months old. everything that you put in his mouth is preparing him for his adulthood. I know from my own personal struggles that what you feed your baby/child influences their desires and cravings for the rest of their lives. I have strugled with my weight since I was about 10.. and it was all due to what I was fed as a child. I know this because I have friends who were fed all natural, fruits, veggies, whole grains, ect, as children... they dont care a thing about sugar or potato chips or fast food. Not becuase they are 'health nuts" but because they have no aquired taste for these things. Unlike myself. I crave salt and sugar and struggle with keeping myself in check. But I refuse to raise up my child to end up like the 40-somethings I see everyday as a nurse. Its VERY sad the condition people are in all because of what they eat!
Sorry to ramble, but it is just so SAD! I know it may seem insignificant to your hubby, but it is actually very important! Like someone else said, a treat every now and then is one thing, but every day is a sure setup for disaster in the future!!

Kate - posted on 02/18/2010

Hi Krystle,
My own experiences as a child plus lots of reading of parenting philosophies that resonate with me.....tickling can move quickly into a situation where the child is being held down and tickled (against their will) - the laughter is more an automatic response when this happens and can lead to feelings of powerlessness in the child. That's not to say it can't be done respectfully or gently, just that we really need to be aware of that and perhaps finding other ways for connection are better. Here is an article that explains it much better than me
http://www.handinhandparenting.org/news/...
Hope this clarifies things - I wonder how this sounds to you?

Krystle - posted on 02/18/2010

Just curious kate, why the no tickling??

Kate - posted on 02/18/2010

I don't think it is a good idea - especially as something that is a regular habit. Do some research on some of the ingredients on what they put into processed foods such as chocolate. White sugar alone is addictive and has no nutritional value. I wonder how your husband would feel if he read stuff in that direction? I agree with the other replies....there are plenty of other ways to enjoy bonding. Play....anything that gets laughter going (apart from tickling) is a fantastic way to bond. It helps meet the child's need for warmth, connection and love - and it's fun!!!!

Manon Alexe - posted on 02/18/2010

I've been told on numerous occasions i'm to strickt when it comes to snacks. My 17month old daughter hasn't even had chocolate yet and still prefers veg and fruit over chips. I don't think they need that stuff yet. Mine's not gonna get junk food till she's at least 4. She gets a small packet of chips (baked,not fried. And no preservatives or colourants) now and again over a weekend and that small pack has to last 3 days. But again i'm overly strickt about that. I think if you don't think its right you should put your foot down and tell your hubby to find a healthier way to bond. Just my opinion tho :)

Krystle - posted on 02/18/2010

Honestly, i wouldnt. A treat here and there is great, but it should be just that, a treat. Not a regular occourance. My son is 8 and my daughter is 17mths and neither of them had juice,chocolate or anything else unhealthy untill atleast after there 1st bdays n then its only every now n then. My daughter does not get lollies, softdrink, chocolate or anything else unless its a special occasion like her bday or easter.(even then she still has never had softdrink) i think chocolate etc is un-nessecary and it could be building them up for an unhealthy lifestyle. My 8yr old still gets 2 have chips,chocolate and juice n cakes ect now hes older but its not every day and hes still a healthy eater and loves his fruit n veg's.Your husband can bond with your son in other ways, not just by being the good guy n spoiling him. There are also alot of age apropriate snacks and treats for children that wont make them fat and unhealthy later in life. Hope i helped :)