Real Life Solutions By Linda Mintle, Ph.D.

Follow biblical guidelines for dealing with anger.

by serving dessert every day but one. Gradually alternate days until your child does not expect dessert at the end of every meal. When you do serve dessert, cut up fruit in creative ways and put them in fun bowls. This is a great way to get the cup of fruit that is recommended daily for kids. If your child complains, tell him that this is the dessert for the evening or that tonight your family is not having dessert. Ignore further complaints and be positive. Habits take about a month to break.

Most importantly, do not let food become a power issue. Remember you are in charge and control the food selections in your home.

QWe made the mistake of letting our child expect desserts after meals and now he has developed a sweet tooth. Is there a way that we can influence this behavior and craving without going cold turkey?

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QMy dad was an alcoholic and abusive to my mother and me. I pray every day that I can be a different parent to my own children, but I am fearful I am going to be just like my dad. I hear that is typical. Is there hope for me?

AYou might be surprised to learn that your son did not develop his sweet tooth because you fed him desserts! The truth is that all babies are born with a preference for sweets. The desire for sweets is built into your body. By the time infants reach 4 months of age, they also develop a preference for salts. Other than salty and sweet, all other tastes are learned.

That said, you have developed a habit with your son. He has been conditioned to expect desserts at the

end of meals. Another bad habit is that desserts often are presented to young children as something special rather than simply part of the meal. Do not use desserts for special treats or rewards. Instead serve them in a casual way.

Also, cut back on sweets that contain high fructose corn syrup. This is a common sweetener found in a variety of foods that researchers now believe plays a large role in the childhood obesity epidemic.

Finally, begin breaking the habit

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AYour fear is based in some reality. People repeat family patterns that are familiar even when they are unhealthy. Identify the impact alcoholism and abuse had on you as a child, not only

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