Stacey DaPrato writes about this, a story with which I can relate due to similar, if slightly less dramatic, episodes with my children:
Today I witnessed firsthand something that I often speak out about, and I really feel the need to share.
To preface, we NEVER have candy. We don’t allow it in the house. I hate holidays like Halloween for this very reason. Candy is given out everywhere, all the time. As someone who understands the ramifications of what candy does to children, it is so hard for me to enforce “no candy” when my 6-year-old sees it being handed out like it’s no big deal.
Today we attended an (otherwise super fun!) event where candy was given out. I hesitated to even allow her to collect it – but, given that I am trying to “loosen up” and take a more balanced approach, I allowed her to select a few pieces to bring home. She had one piece at the event, and I told her she could have 2 small pieces after dinner later. The candy was on a pedestal in her mind all day. She kept begging me to have it. She was like a drug addict. After dinner, she had her two pieces.
Within 30 minutes, my child was no longer acting like herself. She was bouncing off the walls. Jittery, couldn’t sit still. Was bouncing in her seat while we tried to play a game with her. She got up and started jumping and running all over the living room. And the anger when it was time to clean up was something I haven’t seen from her in a very long time. Hitting things, grabbing at things. She was feral, and it was insane.
This. This is why I don’t allow it. And THIS is why so many children have behavioral issues. THIS is why so many children are diagnosed with ADHD – yes, I do understand that a small percentage of people do legitimately have this disorder, but the amount it gets diagnosed today is just so far beyond that. Then parents turn around and medicate them with harmful pharmaceuticals.
And here’s the thing – it’s not just the candy! These dyes, artificial flavors, emulsifiers, high fructose corn syrup/refined sugars in general, and so many other chemical additives are is SO MANY of our “foods”. It’s alarming, yet nobody is talking about it.
Here’s the kicker: in addition to the behavioral issues, all of this processed stuff contributes to sickness – yes, it really does. I challenge you to take a close look at the ingredients of the items in your pantry and fridge. Then ask yourself, how often do your kids get sick? I can tell you mine hardly ever do – even during “flu season” – and it’s largely because we severely limit refined sugar, and don’t allow ANY dyes or junky additives in our home.
Where is the outrage???