Sugar and Kids: How much is too much?

As much as many parents understand that processed sugar isn’t ideal for their kids, they are often tempted to use it as a reward for good behaviour or to motivate kids to do something (for example, during potty training). 

So how much sugar is too much?

Some medical specialists believe that children younger than 2 years old shouldn’t have any processed sugar at all. The guidelines by the American Heart Association state that children over 2 years old should not consume more than 25 grams of sugar (6 teaspoons) each day as the absolute maximum. Of course, the less, the better. 

Having large amounts of sugar from a very early age is linked to diseases like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, poor teeth health, obesity, heart disease and others. 

When kids fill up their tummies with processed sugar, there’s little to no room for nutritious food, which is needed to help growing bodies thrive and develop.

Some of the highest sugar concentrates are found in fruit juice, so it’s suggested not to introduce it to kids and instead get them to love and enjoy drinking water, which tastes good in New Zealand.

Try these: 

• Give water or milk to kids instead of juice

• Replace processed sugar with natural sugar from fruit and vegetables

• Check nutrition labels for food you give to your children

• Reward with experiences rather than sugary food

Sweet treats will still be a part of every child’s life. However, it shouldn’t become a daily occurrence. They are “treats” and should be given as special treats and not become a part of the daily diet, as they have no nutritional value to the growing bodies. 

Besides, there are many other ways to reinforce good behaviour or motivate kids to do something like stickers, charts or taking them to their favourite place (like a playground).