I’ve said it before and I will say it again- if you don’t demonize screens, or make it something “forbidden,” your kids won’t care all that much about it! For us, we get super excited about outside time and could care less about what’s on the TV. Same goes for food! If you make candy or sweets a super big deal or something that they can only have on special occasions, they will want it that much more!

I try to make it a point to talk about why certain foods are important. For example - “this milk helps Maeve’s bones get stronger! That way, you can play at the park without getting hurt!”

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2/13 Edited to

... Read moreFrom my own parenting journey, I learned that treating screens and sweets as completely off-limits can backfire with toddlers. Instead, when you approach screen time without fear or negativity, your kids are less likely to fixate on wanting more. For example, rather than saying "no TV," try framing screen time as something enjoyable in moderation—this creates openness and trust. We often get caught up in the battle over candy or sugary treats, but making these foods forbidden only makes them more desirable. Instead, I found it helpful to introduce sweets casually and without huge fuss, so my kids don’t associate them with special rewards or secret indulgences. This reduces the "forbidden fruit" allure. Another tip is to connect nutrition to your child’s goals or daily activities. Telling them "milk helps you build strong bones so you can play longer at the park" makes the benefits tangible. Kids love understanding how the foods they eat help their bodies and activities they enjoy. Also, focusing on outdoor play and engaging your children in fun activities outside naturally shifts their interest away from screens. When my family prioritizes outdoor adventures and playful experiences, the TV becomes less of a focus. Encouraging curiosity and movement helps create a balanced routine. Overall, a positive, low-pressure attitude about screens and sweets, combined with education on why good nutrition matters and fun outdoor time, creates a healthy, joyful environment. It reduces power struggles and fosters trust between parents and kids, making healthy habits easier to maintain long term.

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