How do I get my 7 year DS to accept healthy treats after school?

[Vivianna]

I've been a naughty, naughty Mummy & usually bring sweets or chocolate, which he loves...der. Need to change with minimal flipouts, tantrums or stress; and that's just on my part. I have tried fruit but he simply stares at me, as if I was offering him a recently found dog nut from the floor...also those supposedly healthy fruit rolls contain around 275 calories each & you get 2 in a pack, so not fantastic. Would appreciate ideas for things kids genuinely like but are 'fairly' healthy too, well, healthier than a twix. Yours kindly and all that, Vivianna

Hmmm cut out completely and go straight home for a good cooked tea? Treat on a friday only? Most of the healthier stuff in the shops is full of sugar in some form or another so swapping to fruit chews isn't a great plan. Sultanas...but mix with nuts and seeds...has to eat the protein to make it healthy! Good chocolate...ombar? Raw and has good bacteria in it so a few pieces of this with a banana.

Offer a healthy treat. If it's refused then he's not that hungry. So no snack.

Does he need a snack after school every day? Mine have a healthy meal when they get home and maybe a piece of fruit or a yoghurt later on.

Does he really still tantrum at 7? My dd is 7 and tbh just eats what she’s given. Of course she loves sweets and wouldn’t say no but if I bring a banana she’s so hungry she’s equally pleased. Have you actually tried bringing something healthy? Maybe malt loaf or sweeter fruit like strawberries? He might surprise you!

Just don't buy anything unhealthy and ride the tantrums if they happen.

You are the adult. He eats what you say. Why are you so worried about 'tantrums and flip outs'?

Crackers, breadsticks, naked crisps, fruit finger (melon/mango), cereal bars (low sugar ones), mini soreen loafs, rice cakes...

Nothing wrong with a biscuit or too occasionally though.

Keep sweets for once a week so not completely deprived (Friday?)

Two*

Keep trying fruit. Try different fruit and chopped up fruit.

Don't encourage snacking unless he's going on to a high intensity sports activity. Then take a banana or other fruit or a peanut butter sandwich and a bottle of water. Just stop buying sweets. Tell him you want him to have teeth into adulthood. Put sweet money in a jar and let him buy something when he's saved a reasonable amount.
Those fruit strips are shockingly bad for teeth As are raisins.

My eldest is ravenous after school, youngest not bothered. I used to bring healthy snacks only but buckled under the pressure - literally all of DC's friends are given crisps, biscuits, sweets, chocolate bars etc at pickup time. Come the new school year we are back to fruit or cheese, with the odd sugary treat on a Friday (jam sandwiches, biscuits). They have accepted it without a problem, to my surprise.

There must be something your DC likes that falls under the umbrella of healthy!