Anyone else notice how much diet affects your child's behaviour?

[Isadora]

I feel like a bit of a fool asking this, as we all know sugar and toddlers do not go well together. However I'm amazed, DD can go from being placid, then has a sugary food (museli bar etc) and she's a huge hand full!! Tantrums left right & center. Her grandparents came for a late arvo visit today, with a stash of chocolate and goodies as usual Getting her to sleep tonight has been nothing short of a nightmare. I'm interested to hear of everyone elses experiences with toddlers and particular foods?

[Traveller]

My children are all limited in their intake of sugary foods, but DS2 in particular has to be kept away from them. His behaviour goes from a well behaved but boisterous child, to a crazy wild boy.

My aunt kept giving both my older boys sweets, despite me saying they were not to have them. Finally one day I was dropping them off to her house whilst I went to an appointment with my twins, and she gave them some sugary rubbish. DS2 went absolutly wild and when she asked why he was acting like that I said "it's the sugar, I did warn you" as I was heading out the door. Funnily enough she has never bought them sweets since that date

[Queen]

I notice DD(4) her behaviour changes with certain foods.
Check out the FAILSAFE diet, there are so many additives colours and flavours that effect behaviour.

[ciara.e]

I am sooo glad to hear there are other mums out there noticing this condition!!

My daughter is allergic to almost everything food wise haha. So she's only ever had fresh organic foods.. nothing processed.

all of a sudden my sister and mum (who babysat her while i was in hospital for a few weeks this year) start giving her processed foods and she's a little terror! i never had tantrums, nor did i have illness or any type of protesting from my daughter before this!! She even doesn't communicate as well when she's 'under the influence'!! haha.

My thoughts are, if its not natural, it doesn't go into your body. We have never had softdrinks or cordials etc in my home. Just filtered water or mineral water and some (a select range) organic juice. Loads of fresh veges and salads... couldn't ask for a better child!!

The only struggle for us parents, is trying to keep the naughty foods away from them!! Especially with grandparents around!!

[Junglemum]

Absolutely MM. I try to prevent it happening though. I notice the effects of some foods instantly. I do tend to find it is more the preservatives than the sugar that is an issue for DD.
I'm not sure why some people think the way to a childs heart is through bad food and their stomach.
When we go somewhere, i take a treat of my choice and sneak it to the person we're visiting. And then that person gets to offer a treat to DD that i am happy with. So perhaps you could try that with the grandparents?

[Tinks]

I've noticed my kids react to certain foods. I stopped buying anything pre packaged and saw a dramatic difference in their behaviour, especially in my son.

I have a friend whose family eat takeaway at least 5 nights a week. She always complains about how her DS won't sleep until midnight and how much of a handful he is during the day. Anyway, she went on a health kick and cooked every night instead of getting take away(probably lasted 2 weeks) and amazingly her DS started going to bed at a reasonable hour AND didn't have tantrums during the day.