The battle over buying presweetened, ready-to-eat cereal has been raging since the first sugar coated cereal hit the supermarket shelves. First, put these cereals into perspective. They are based in a grain, sometimes a whole grain, they are low in fat, some have fiber, and all are fortified with needed vitamins and minerals. That being said, I agree, you don’t want your children diving into the box head first.
Try this. Buy the presweetened cereal they want along with a healthier cereal you choose. Depending on your child’s age, put a ¼ or 1/3 measuring cup into the sugared cereal box and use it to top off the better choice. You can also use a half cup portion of the sweetened cereal as a snack. It is a far healthier choice than chips, cookies or candy. You have taught your child two valuable eating lessons. Every food has a place but the amount we eat of some foods needs to be limited.
