I have a recently turned 3 year old. He's no angel, but not badly behaved most of the time. However I am running in to difficulty in relation to treats.
He has a really sweet tooth - I don't believe this is because of any diet choices I made on his behalf - i was strict enough about treats up until he was two - as in very little at all. For the last year I haven't been quite as strict, mainly because I have 2 close in age and they can be tough going at times and I am not as strong willed about all these things as I would like to be. This has led to a bit of an mild obsession with all things sweet.
He's usually fine at home with just ourselves. Day to day I don't really give treats - I might give a toddler type biscuit or fruit bar or raisins., but that's about it and he doesn't really look for anything outside of that. He may ask about having a chocolate biscuit the odd time if he thinks of it - and isn't inclined to take no for an answer. Usually I say no (which usually results in crying etc), the odd time I may give him one - mainly because this wouldn't even happen once a week and in a way I think if I always say no that I am making a big issue over this odd treat.
The problem is more when we visit someone else or when friends visit. It has got to the stage of complete embarrassment and behavior that would very rarely appear otherwise. If there is any mention or appearance of a cup of tea, or a biscuit or tart etc, he will start plaguing me for some. If I give him some - which I usually would in fairness as others are having it - he will keep asking for more - then I say no you have had enough - which results in a complete full on tantrum, crying, screaming, out of control. This may also be because he feels that I didn't give him a big enough slice etc. Obviously I give out to him, try to talk to him, explain how this is unacceptable etc, but it doesn't matter and has no affect.
How did I get here - where I am anxious of people calling because of this. I'm not sure what I can do. I know it will probably improve as he gets older but I can't see this improving anytime soon. My heart sinks when I go to a children's party and see an easily accessible table of sweets and treats - he'll be hanging around that table all the time. He's not overweight (about normal), he eats fairly okay outside of treats and even though he has more treats than I would like him to have, the treats themselves are not the problem - more the behavior around it.
Sorry this is so long, can anyone offer any advice?