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Parenting

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Original poster

Would you let your 5 year old chew chewing gum.........

86 replies

scarymaryme · 12/10/2006 08:02

I have a small dilema, my dd is 5 and pesters me nonstop to let her have chewing gum. I have automatically said no every time, as I'm worried she will just eat it, choke, get it in her hair, on the furniture etc etc. The trouble is, we live in a close, and my dd best buddies (aged 5 and 6)both are allowed it. They come to call for her chewing away merrily. I am now wondering whether it is all that bad after all, and to just let her. I feel like I'm being the meanest mummy in the world!!
Anyone any opinions on this????

OP posts:

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MrsSpoon · 12/10/2006 21:39

Another no here. Two little girls, aged about 4 were asking my DS2 if he was allowed chewing gum the other day, seemed as if they were allowed it and I was a bit shocked.

WigWamBam · 12/10/2006 21:40

No way. Vile stuff.

evilanniedividedin2byalargeaxe · 12/10/2006 21:40

I was advised to give dd2 (age 4) chewing gum after she had her tonsils out (not sure why and didn't ask). I didn't though, as she also has dental probs and chewy stuff always makes her teeth hurt.

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zephyrHellcat · 12/10/2006 21:40

My DD is 4.10 and she has never had chewing gum. When we were walking home from school yesterday she fell over and her knee was bleeding and she was quite upset. While I was bending down sorting her out, the mother we were walking home with gave her some chewing gum to make her feel better . I didn't say anythignas we were practically home so I could get it from her but by the time we did she had swallowed it. She won't be doing it again.

Californifright · 12/10/2006 21:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

roisin · 13/10/2006 07:49

A persistent 5 yr-old ... Crikey! I would get into the habit of saying "no" a lot now, so that she gets used to it. Especially if she's getting the idea that "because her friends do" is a valid argument. Otherwise she will be a nightmare in a couple of years' time.

In answer to the chewing gum question I'd say no, no, no way. My boys are 7 and 9 and have never had chewing gum or bubble gum. They haven't asked recently, it's true, but even if they did the answer would be no.

laudaud · 13/10/2006 09:52

I hate chewing gum and actually couldn't enjoy the film Speed because I was so obsessed by the fact that Keanu Reeves was chewing gum so the answer for me would be NO. It is evil and should be banned. I know I used to love blowing bubble gums when I was a child but DD will be missing out on that part of growing up .

daisy1999 · 13/10/2006 09:55

no I don't even let my 7 yr old have it.

JennyLee · 13/10/2006 10:22

I just say no and my ds is 7 I don't think I will ever buy it for him or allow it at home as I hate tennagers that chew constantly in fact anyone that does it constantly, maybe thats why I have no friends ?lol SAy no lol, in fact when he has been gven it I tell him to say no and if he gets some i take it off him poor ds

lucy5 · 13/10/2006 10:23

No, I wouldn't.

TinyGang · 13/10/2006 10:24

Not likely!

lucy5 · 13/10/2006 10:25

i don't know about UK but in Spain, you can buy childrens chewing gum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Eeeewwww!

fennel · 13/10/2006 10:25

my dsis and her dp, fanatical health freaks both, give their 3yo chewing gum instead of sweets as they insist it's far better for the teeth.

i don't like it but they are adament it's better than most things children eat or chew, health-wise.

Cassoulet · 13/10/2006 10:28

I have let my dd chew gum for years now (she's 7) because it does help keep your mouth/teeth clean when we're out and we've just had some wondrous sugary sticky treat. I have also taught her to SWALLOW it when she's finished it so there is no mess. I have always swallowed gum and it hasn't ever twisted up in my insides or done anything to me. I have been assured that it will just come out the other end in pretty much the same form it went in. I haven't searched for it though, so cannot say with absolute certainty that this is true. However, I can promise that nothing bad has happened to me through chewing gum and swallowing it.

charliebat · 13/10/2006 10:29

Yes. What is so bad about it?

mumfor1standfinaltime · 13/10/2006 10:32

I so hate chewing gum for any age. I think it is disgusting stuff. I wouldn't let ds have it at that age however much he begged me. Although I am sure that all children will try it by getting it from a friend, so not much you can do if this happens!

dejags · 13/10/2006 11:40

Cassoulet, no offence, but are you for real?

DS1 has chewing gum on aeroplanes and he had it after his tonsillectomy on the advice of the doctor.

As for swallowing it...

Cassoulet · 13/10/2006 13:37

Sorry, yes I am for real! Why can't you swallow it? (assume that's what's worrying you).

Skribble · 13/10/2006 13:46

No mine 9 and 6 have never had it from me, might have had some from a pal??, I just think its pretty gross, and messy stuff, choking or swallowing it isn't a major issue but it just isn't nice to see people looking like they are chewing the cud. DS has those little mints but not the chewy stuff.

curlew · 13/10/2006 13:46

I think it looks disgusting - but my 5 year old has it sometimes. Is there some reason (apart from the aforementioned disgustingness) that he shouldn't?

DastardlyDevilishDior · 13/10/2006 13:47

No, ds asks when I have some, but knows he is not allowed.

Gobbledispook · 13/10/2006 13:47

No.

I was never allowed it either.

Eeew, it looks common

laudaud · 13/10/2006 13:49

exactly Gobbledispook

Gobbledispook · 13/10/2006 13:51

I look back and thank my mother for so many things - no child ear piercing, no fake tattoos, no chewing gum.....

I see her logic now!

niceglasses · 13/10/2006 13:53

Just getting out the list of banned MN items............

fruitshoots
sausage rolls.....

ah yes can squeeze it in here.....

chewing gum

........there. I'll keep an updated copy on file.

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