Steven's parents are adamant that he is not allowed to have any food sweetened with sugar. A very excited Kevin proudly tells you that tonight he and his family are going to bake cupcakes with "tons" of icing to bring in to celebrate his birthday tomorrow. Many of us have been caught in the midst of such a sugar dilemma. Probably the best way to avoid being caught in this type of situation is to have a clear program policy regarding sugar. Such a policy needs to be based on the nutritional needs of children.
Today, childhood obesity is one of the major public health problems in the United States. Recent statistics indicate more than 20% of our young children are obese. (A child is considered obese if his or her weight is 20% or more above the ideal weight for a child of the same age, height and gender). The increased consumption of empty calories, including soft drinks and high sugar foods, has been identified as one of the important factors contributing to this high rate of obesity. High sugar foods also can contribute to tooth decay.
There has been an ongoing debate about sugar as a cause of hyperactivity. However, overall, research with preschool children indicates that sugar will not turn a "typical" child into a hyperactive child. Similarly, research with hyperactive children indicates that sugar is not a primary factor contributing to their hyperactivity. However, it is important to realize that there are exceptions to these general findings. A small percentage of children will become hyperactive or extremely fatigued after eating sugar. If you think a child has a reaction to sugar, ask the parent to have him tested.
While sugar is not seen as a primary cause of hyperactivity, there are suggestions that for a short time after a high sugar snack (up to about 90 minutes) it may be more difficult for preschool children to maintain focus on demanding tasks. However, this lack of focus is not hyperactivity.
When planning meals and snacks for preschool programs our overall goal is to provide well-balanced menus. "Empty calories" should be avoided and there is no need to add sugar to most foods (vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, cereals, etc.) served in preschool programs. It also is recommend that foods containing artificial sweeteners, which have been identified as causing upset stomach and diarrhea in some children, not be used. However, for children who are eating well-balanced diets, there are no compelling data to suggest a need to eliminate all "sweets."
The available research helps us to identify two extremes concerning sugar. On the one hand we have to set some limits on the sugar intake of children. On the other hand, there is no reason to suggest that all added sugars have to be eliminated. Thus, it is important that for childcare providers and parents work together to establish a "sugar" policy describing (1) if foods with added sugars will be served at the center, and, if yes, (2) what, if any, limitations will be placed on the serving of these foods. This policy should be clearly stated in materials prepared for parents who apply to the program, as well as in the staff handbook.
Childcare professionals can work with parents and children to develop healthy alternatives to high sugar snacks and birthday "treats." For example, a child might help staff or parents to make a birthday pizza, whole grain banana muffins, fruit salad, fruit kabobs (fruit pieces on a long toothpick), or frozen yogurt sundaes. For holidays the children might make special sandwiches they cut out with appropriate cookie cutters and then decorate. Bon appetite!