Sugar Isn't The Reason For Your Kids Being Hyper

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine in the 1990s found sugar to be unrelated to a child’s behavior. After nearly three decades, parents continue to find it hard to believe that there is no such thing as a “sugar high” for children.

The study suggested the stimulation from events like birthday parties are more to blame than the sugar intake itself for kids becoming hyper. While experts found sugar to be unrelated to behavior, it is important to remember sugar is linked to obesity and tooth decay.

Lesley Langille, a registered dietitian at the Centre For Family Nutrition in Calgary advises parents to model healthy behavior to aide in reducing their child’s sugar intake.

Whether you believe the “myth” or the research regarding sugar highs in children, Langille recommends parents treat sweets like regular food. “You don’t have to say, ‘this is a special treat’ or ‘this is out of the ordinary,'” she said.