Only ONE Treat A Day? Are You Kidding???

Summer can mean freedom and liberation for many with children: No school work, no early morning-get-out-of-the-house stress. For many, however, the unstructured nature of July, August, and now half of September, can feel even more stressful than those science projects that seem to be due every other month.

One of the ways to alleviate stress associated with the unstructured nature of the vacation is by having a structured (though sometimes flexible) policy for the summer  treats. In my home, hot weather became synonymous with ice cream from the moment my kids could utter the words, "Spongebob Ice Cream Pop!". Life started becoming very difficult for me when school ended because they assumed ice cream and other treats were a given all day every day.

I decided to put the kibosh on their entitled-treat thinking by allowing a policy of dessert whenever they wanted it but only once a day. This meant that if they wanted dessert as soon as they woke up, great, but that was it for the rest of the day. They soon realized that although it was tough, maybe that  Popsicle would have been better after lunch when everyone else was eating theirs.

Just like Ferber and Weisbleuth, a little whining and crying does eventually lead to success. They will learn to self regulate and to experience delayed gratification. Stick it out and you'll be glad you did. 

For more tips and strategies to help you and your family have a less stressed, more nurturing, and healthful cooking and eating experience at home, go to Take Back the Kitchen. Have a great Fourth of July!