Over the past year, I have noticed how frequently my 8 year old daughter is offered candy and processed treats nearly everywhere we go. Her teacher gives the class candy and has parties with sugary drinks and snacks, the daycare daily hands out processed snacks and sugary drinks every day as their “snack”, the doctor’s offices hand out candy, the dance class teacher hands out candy every class, and Girl Scout snacks every meeting are Capri Sun and some kind of candy, fruit snacks, chips, or kettle corn.

Each individual person handing it out may think it’s truly a treat but because it’s daily, it’s just a lifestyle. I’ve had to tell my daughter she can’t have it most of the time, asked the daycare to not let her eat what they provide and just make sure she takes her own snacks of fruit or veggies.

I grew up eating horribly, junk food, fast food, processed convenience food most of my life and have made significant improvements. It’s hard to change and I want to teach my daughter to make healthy choices most of the time and splurge on occasion. Not the other way around.

Reality is it’s better to teach her how to make the right choices because those options will always be there.

However, I’m curious if other parents have had the same experience and if you allow it or are trying to fight it.