Annie’s Mailbox: Grandparents stuff kids with sugar

Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Dad in Distress,” whose parents stuff his kids with candy and sugar every weekend. Many stores like Target and Wal-Mart carry a large selection of dollar items. I found that my grandchildren enjoy getting little things from that section more than they like receiving candy. This has become my way of “spoiling” my grandson without the side effects.

“Dad in Distress” needs to have a sit-down with his parents and explain that the way they feed the children is not healthy. – G.

Dear G.: We know how difficult it is for grandparents not to want to bombard the little ones with whatever they can afford. Inexpensive toys are better than sugar, but we think time spent with Grandma and Grandpa is the best solution. Our readers weighed in on this subject. Here’s a sampling:

From Florida: My wonderful mother-in-law substituted gifts at Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, etc., for time spent together. My children would be beside themselves for weeks trying to play with all of the new toys, but they would much rather have seen their grandmother more often. But time was not something she gave them, even though she lived right down the street. She died much too early, and we miss her every day. All those gifts are long gone, but the few memories we have of her linger on.

Chicago: I am a grandparent with the opposite problem. My daughter-in-law is killing my grandson with junk food. He gets fruits and vegetables only at my house. When we go out to eat, we discuss the menu and how to make smart choices. He likes healthy food, but he is only 12, and his mother orders for him. I’ve tried cooking for her, but she picks vegetables out of her food and makes faces. When she goes to family reunions, she complains that there is nothing to eat and then drives 30 miles for a taco.