Desserts

What desserts may be given to young children?

Mistakes are more often made here than in any other part of the child's diet. Up to six or seven years, only junket, plain rice pudding without raisins, plain custard and, not more than once a week, a small amount of ice cream.

What should be especially forbidden?

All pies, tarts and pastry of every description, jam, syrups and preserved fruits; nuts, candy and dried fruits.

Does "a little" do any harm?

Yes, in that it develops a taste for this sort of food, after which plainer food is taken with less relish. Besides the "little" is very apt soon to become a good deal.

Does not the child's instinctive craving for sweets indicate his need of them?

That a child likes or craves sweets is the usual excuse of an indulgent parent. Every child likes his own way, but that is no reason why he should not be trained to obedience and self-control; a child's fondness for sweets can hardly be considered a normal instinct. As a matter of fact, supported by everyday experience, no causes are productive of more disorders of digestion than the free indulgence in desserts and sweets by young children. It is a constantly increasing tendency, not easily controlled as a child grows older; and in early childhood, the only safe rule is to give none at all.