It’s easy to feel torn between letting your child enjoy a sweet treat and wanting to give them the best nutritional start in life. But the healthy way to add treats into your child's diet doesn’t mean cutting out fun—it means finding a balance that works for your family. From occasional sweets to smarter snack swaps, it’s about teaching moderation without creating food guilt. Yes, your child can have that cupcake—and still have a healthy relationship with food. Written by Kath Megaw, clinical dietitian and founder of Nutripaeds.
It’s basic human instinct that we want what we can’t have – and our children are no different. When it comes to feeding children, the aim is not only nourishment but also to encourage them to have a healthy relationship with food.
Our role as parents is to expose our children to a range of healthy foods and snacks during the course of the day, week and month. It’s a journey we embark on when they are born and one we continue for many years.
As our children grow up, we start to educate them and explain the concepts of healthy eating so they can start to make informed choices.
The Treat Box concept
The concept of the Treat Box is to enable our children to start having some autonomy with regards to their food choices and also to take all the intrigue out of this particular group of foods. It also teaches little ones that food does not have a moral value of being bad or good.
Some foods need to be eaten more frequently and nourish the body, and others (like treats) need to be eaten moderately, promoting food enjoyment and bringing a fun element into snacks.
How do you put together a Treat Box?
A Treat Box works in the following way and is appropriate for children who are 4 years and older:
- Find a container or shoe box. Ask your child to decorate it and put her name on it.
- Together with your child, choose seven treats for the week.
- Each treat must be the size of your child’s fist.
- The treats must be a mix of savoury and sweet.
- Two of the treats can be a chocolate and/or sweet, but a small version.
- The Treat Box gets filled up only once a week. Your child can have access to the box at any time, but once it’s empty, she has to wait until the next week.
- If your child gets a treat elsewhere, then she must give you a replacement treat from her box.
- Party packs can be used as treats for the Treat Box.
- You are not allowed to make any comments around the Treat Box, such as, ‘Don’t you think you should stop now, or leave some for tomorrow?’ Your child will learn this on her own.
- If your child is under six years old, you may want to fill up the Treat Box halfway through the week – so include only enough for three days, and then on a Wednesday, add more treats for the remaining four days of the week.
Suggestions for what to put in your Treat Box:
- 1 x mini biltong packet
- 1 x 50 g chocolate
- 1 x small packet gummy sweets
- 1 x 30 g packet potato crisps
- 1 x 15 g packet dried fruit
- 1 x pack of 3 mini yoghurt-coated rice cakes
- 1 x pack of 2 strawberry whirl biscuits
BabyYumYum FAQs: How to Add Treats to Your Child’s Diet the Healthy Way
Is it okay to give my child treats?
Yes, occasional treats can be part of a healthy diet. It’s about balance, not restriction. Teaching moderation helps children build a positive relationship with food.
How often should my child have treats?
There’s no strict rule, but limiting treats to a few times a week can help reduce excessive sugar or processed food intake while still allowing for enjoyment.
What counts as a “treat”?
Treats can be anything considered indulgent or outside the usual daily diet—like sweets, crisps, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream, or fizzy drinks. Healthier homemade versions can also be included.
Can treats ever be healthy?
Yes. Treats don’t always need to be high in sugar or fat. Try yoghurt with fruit, homemade oat bars, banana muffins, or frozen fruit smoothies for healthier alternatives.
How can I stop my child from obsessing over treats?
Avoid labelling foods as “good” or “bad”. Instead, talk about balance and nourishment. Offering treats occasionally, without guilt, helps reduce the allure of restriction.
Should treats be used as a reward?
Using treats as rewards can create emotional connections with food. Instead, reward your child with praise, stickers, or time spent together to build positive behaviours.
How can I manage treats at parties or special events?
Let your child enjoy party treats without making a big deal of it. Balance it with healthy meals before or after, and encourage water over sugary drinks.
How do I teach portion control with treats?
Offer small servings and avoid large packs or family-size bags. Serve treats in bowls or containers rather than letting children eat directly from the packet.
What if my child wants treats every day?
Stay consistent with your household’s routine. Offer nutritious snacks regularly and explain that treats are special, not daily. Distraction and offering fun, healthy alternatives can help.
Can treats be part of lunchboxes?
Yes, in small portions. A mini muffin, a square of dark chocolate, or a homemade flapjack can be a lovely lunchbox addition alongside balanced foods.
How do I model healthy treat habits as a parent?
Children learn by example. Enjoy treats in moderation yourself, avoid emotional eating, and speak positively about food without guilt or shame.
What’s the long-term benefit of allowing treats in a balanced way?
It helps children develop a healthy, realistic relationship with food. They learn that treats aren’t forbidden or something to overindulge in when finally allowed.
Disclaimer: This content is intended for general guidance and does not replace professional nutritional or medical advice. Please consult a registered dietitian or GP for individual concerns regarding your child’s diet.
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