Nichole Kohake: Less of a Treat

Nichole Kohake shares why sugary treats should be an occasional reward for children.

The other day, I picked up my daughter’s favorite ham and cheese croissant from the mall. I was so excited to surprise her with it after school before play practice. When I walked up to her after rehearsal, she bounced toward me, smiling.

I handed it to her and she said casually, “Oh, my friend’s mom is getting me an ice cream.” In all honesty, my heart sank. It had happened again. Just one of many times I’ve planned a special treat for one of my kids — only to find out they already had one. Or two. Or five. Lollipops for a “good job” at the end of karate. Sugary sports drinks for playing a sports game. Ice cream because it’s sunny.

The number of treats and junk food given to our children — often by well-meaning adults who love them — is staggering. Treats are supposed to be just that: treats. Something special. Something occasional. A small celebration for doing something brave, finishing something hard, or marking a meaningful day. But when treats are handed out constantly, they stop being special.

They quietly become part of a child’s daily diet. The average American child consumes more than double the recommended amount of added sugar each day. And while no one ice cream cone is the problem, the cumulative effect of constant “little extras” adds up quickly.

I know modern life is busy.and most of us are just doing our best. But do we need to normalize junk food as the default celebration? I have talked with my both my kiddos about these little extras, but they are kids and it is so hard to deny a treat when offered. I understand. I get it. It would be hard for me to say no to the yummies too. But, kids don’t need a treat every day for every little thing. They need nourishment. They need adults who model balance.

This isn’t about banning birthday cupcakes or eliminating fun. It’s about asking ourselves whether we’ve quietly drifted into a culture where sugar is the background noise of childhood instead of the occasional highlight. Because when everything is a treat, treats no longer really exist.

With a Perspective, I’m Nichole Kohake.

Nichole Kohake is a Redwood City mom, volunteer and community leader.