That’s what my six-year-old son said to me the other day. Recently we visited family and all the cousins got to drink some soda. Soda was instantly cool. But I think a big part of his reaction is also because soda is not something we drink in my home.
I’ve really tried not to have “forbidden” food in my house. Contrary to what you might think, I do buy junk foods like chips (potato, corn, etc), chocolate, candy, marshmallows, lollipops, cookies, chocolate-covered gluten free pretzels, etc. They aren’t eaten all in one day, but the kids eat them every so often.
I have junk food in my home because my mom restricted my access to chips and candy as a kid. So when I grew up, I ate Snickers bars, M&Ms, Reese’s pieces and I went out to eat fast food with my friends. I loved eating the occasional Twinkie, which was completely not allowed as a kid. All of those foods were pretty much off-limits until I moved out of the house.
I have a real problem resisting chocolate these days. I think it’s because I reward myself with it and I go overboard with it. But chocolate was something I didn’t have very much as a child. I want the forbidden fruit.
I didn’t want my son to have that same obsession with junk food as an adult. That means that he does eat candy and chips every so often in my house. Admittedly, I feel bad that he is gluten free.
My mistake was neglecting to consider junk foods that I don’t like. When I was about his age, I tried soda and thought, “This is terrible.” The fizziness was overwhelming to my mouth. I didn’t enjoy the experience so I never felt like I was missing out when friends drank it.
I forgot about letting him sample soda. Oops! I guess I’m going to have to let him have soda more frequently (than never) so that he learns it’s not a big deal. I don’t need him fantasizing about soda and then having problems overdoing as an adult.
What do you think of my approach? Do you restrict your children’s access to certain foods? Are there forbidden items?