One of our family goals for 2014 is to eat better and cut back on our sugar intake. The way we have chosen to do this is to save our sweet treats--such as candy, cake, cookies, ice cream, etc.--for the weekend. So during the week, our snacks consist of non-sugary things like crackers, cheese, fruit, popcorn, and such.
Today (Tuesday) Chloe had an early morning activity at school called "Parents and Pastries," where the student brings a parent and a book and they read together in the cafeteria while enjoying a donut. We decided Duncan would go with her, and I told him that I thought they could make an exception to our rule and have a donut. Tuesday morning, Chloe had her book picked out ("The Elves and the Shoemaker") and packed away in her bag, and she was so excited for this reading activity.
Duncan reported to me later that morning that Chloe had been so intent on reading that she didn't even have a donut, and only a couple sips of her chocolate milk at his prodding. I figured she had probably been a little nervous with so many people around and was too distracted to think about eating (plus she had just eaten breakfast). When I picked her up from school and asked her about the activity she told me that she hadn't eaten a donut. I asked her why. She said, "Because it's not the weekend."
At dinner I recounted to Duncan what Chloe had said and she chimed in with, "I wanted a donut, but I made the right choice." We chuckled about it, but I can tell that Chloe is learning to "choose the right." I'm glad that we have this guideline, because I can see how it is shaping our choices and teaching us good habits. Now, if only I can follow Chloe's example and do a better job of making the right choice!
