Sweet obsessions

No need to ban Cadbury’s finest (forbidden fruit – hugely appealing to infant). However, the British Dental Association points out that there are ‘links between the frequency of consumption of sugary food and dental decay.’ Which means, offering goodies after certain meals, rather than allowing your child to spend weeks with a mouthful of Refreshers.

Upping your child’s fruit intake is sensible too. Research conducted for the Department of Health reveals that one in five children eats no fruit at all. Aiming to redress the balance, the government has launched The National School Fruit Scheme, allocating children at 510 schools across England a free piece of fruit every day.

Gone are the days when my sons would crack gleeful smiles at the sight of a Satsuma At Easter, I don’t even attempt to trick them with ‘chocolate alternatives’ (‘Look, darling, a colouring book!’). Annabel Carmel, author of several books on cooking for children points out, ‘We can become too hysterical about doing the right thing. I’ve known parents phone the hosts of a children’s party to check in advance the kind of food that will be offered. It’s nuts,’ she says. ‘Chocolate is part of childhood.’

And if you still wish to ban the sweet, sticky stuff – no chance

‘I used to dread Easter,’ says my friend Jo. ‘But since I’ve relaxed the rules, Finn’s been more inclined to eat a little bit of chocolate, then tell me he’s had enough.’ Finn has obviously come to the conclusion that there are more exciting things in the world than chocolate. Let’s hope it lasts. What other messages do obsessive adults pass on to their children?