Page 136 - The Intentional Parent

choices; chips and chocolates are poor choices). You might want to set ground rules of no eating while the television is on and no eating outside of any room except the kitchen. Encourage moderation by controlling what kinds of snack foods come into the house and how they are distributed. Keep a watchful eye on your child's activity level, too. Many of today's kids are not very physically fit because they spend too much time in front of the television or playing video games. Teach by example. Cook healthy foods, and get out there and exercise.
CANDY AND SWEETS HOARDING
While I was cleaning my eleven-year-old son's room I found about thirty candy bar wrappers and assorted food items that he was evidently trying to hide there. We don't allow that much candy in the house, but we don't deprive him of candy, either. How should my husband and I approach this with our son?
Hoarding candy or other food can be a sign of stress or depression. Sit down for a family meeting (Mom and Dad present) and tell your son what you found and that you are very concerned.
Say that you have heard that hiding food, and sneaking around to eat it, is something kids do when they are very upset. Do not express anger or disappointment over what you found, and do not focus on the fact that he was doing something sneaky. He obviously didn't take much care in covering up what he was doing, so it makes sense to conclude that he might have been actually crying out for someone to notice. If he denies that something is wrong, have a discussion about it with your pediatrician, who might in turn refer you to a psychologist or
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 136