Do you let your kids eat MINTS ???

[nutcracker]

I mean a whole packet ??

My brother always buys my kids sweets when they visit on a saturday and Dd2 asked for Polos. I told her she couldn't have them as eating the whole packet would give her a poorly tummy (not sure if that is correct).

Anyway she insisted whatever he brought had to be white and minty (no choccie areos etc).


Should i have allowed a whole packet of polos then or not ??

[weightwatchingwaterwitch]

I think I would. No idea what's in mints but I really doubt a whole packet would make her ill, she's not that tiny is she?

[weightwatchingwaterwitch]

not on a regular basis but I can't see the odd time would hurt.

[JanH]

Don't ever let them have ordinary mints, nutty - with sugar in - get the sugar-free ones. I ruined my teeth with Polos when I was a teenager, the dentist said they are one of the worst sweets for tooth decay.

Apart from that I don't think mints are particularly bad - I guess you could get tictacs or something if you don't want them to have such a large quantity?

[nutcracker]

She is 5. I think i got in in my head that mints would give her the runs because my brother was once ill after eating a whole pack.

Perhaps i'll let her have the soft ones.

[Frizbe]

I do remember hearing from somewhere that too many polos have a laxative effect! so guess that would be the only harm.....

[Tommy]

My nephew had a very scarey choking incident after eating an Extra Strong mint...don't know if that helps!

[nutcracker]

She did suggest tic tacs Jan. She has settled for campinos now. Not much better i know.

Think i'll tell him to just surrpise them from now on, less fuss.

[weightwatchingwaterwitch]

I think sugar free can be a mild laxative maybe nutty? That's probably it. If it was soft mints or something I'm sure it'll be fine.

[makealist]

Are you thinking about some sugar free mints you can get, what contain sorbital and if you eat too many they can act like a laxitive?
Polo's are ok though (normal sweetie rules apply of course)

[nutcracker]

Thanks guys, oh well wil let her have some next week then.

What about chewing gum ???? Dd1 (7) reckons she is the only one in her class not allowed it (yeah right), but do you allow it ??

[JanH]

it's the xylitol - it's good for teeth, but is a laxative!

[JanH]

Sugar free gum is actually recommended by dentists, nutty!

[nutcracker]

Ah right. I fear i must be turning into my mother as she always had a long list of stuff we couldn't have and mints and chewing gum were 2 of them.

[JanH]

Oh, I'm exactly the same (I think we all turn into our mothers in the end) - DS2 is 11 and I've only let him have it quite recently, mostly because he takes it out of his mouth half-chewed and I don't know where he puts it, ugh. I'm sure your DD is more ladylike with hers

[makealist]

don't like ds2 to have chewing gum because for some strange reason he never keeps it in his mouth! He tends to play with the damn stuff!

[nutcracker]

Yeah right Jan, you wanna see her with her finger rammed up her snozzle

[nutcracker]

Not with the chewing gum on it though you understand

[morningpaper]

I had an awful experience once when I was dogsitting, with an alsatian and a packet of polos.

I can confirm their laxative effect.

[nutcracker]

LOL morning paper