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Original poster

Giving a 4 year old chewing gum

14 replies

Laurdo · 14/02/2023 10:25

I'm not sure if I'm being a bit paranoid here but what's people's thoughts on a 4 year old having chewing gum?Personally it gives me the fear. I'm the same with lollipops.

My 4 yo DSD's mum gives her chewing gum. Her DF and I refuse to buy her it, he hates the idea of her having it too. Last night her 16yo brother gave her some. I felt that I couldn't really say anything as her mother allows it but the whole time she's sitting chewing it my heart was in my mouth. She then started rolling around on the floor and at that point I asked her to sit up when she has gum or spit it out of she's going to be rolling around.

My DH wasn't home at the time. I think if he was there he could have told his DS not to give her it but I felt that I didn't have the authority to do that as it would be undermining their mother.

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TetherEndOfMy · 14/02/2023 10:27

No child needs chewing gum, but I doubt anything bad is going to happen other than it might end up stuck to something in your house.

redbigbananafeet · 14/02/2023 10:46

Your husband needs to implement a 'no chewing gum in this house' rule. Then it's his rule which you're enforcing in his absence.

custardbear · 14/02/2023 10:49

Eerrr I take it she knows it can choke someone if they swallow it!

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Leah5678 · 14/02/2023 11:15

I find it very weird giving a four year old chewing gum Tbh like what is the point?

LadyJ2023 · 14/02/2023 11:27

So your the parents why aren't yous standing up saying do not give our 4 year old chewing gum. The recommendation is not for under 7s because of choking etc

BitOutOfPractice · 14/02/2023 11:29

I wasn’t allowed it as a child because if you swallow it it’ll wrap round your heart. Or that’s what my mom told me 😂

but no, I wouldn’t be happy with a 4yo having him.

Figgygal · 14/02/2023 11:31

How strange to think thats appropriate at 4
My 11yo still not allowed it as totally unnecessary

Original poster
Laurdo · 14/02/2023 11:32

redbigbananafeet · 14/02/2023 10:46

Your husband needs to implement a 'no chewing gum in this house' rule. Then it's his rule which you're enforcing in his absence.

He chews chewing gum quite a lot though so would be hard to implement that rule if he does it.

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Original poster
Laurdo · 14/02/2023 11:34

LadyJ2023 · 14/02/2023 11:27

So your the parents why aren't yous standing up saying do not give our 4 year old chewing gum. The recommendation is not for under 7s because of choking etc

I'm her stepmum and her mum allows her to have it so I didn't feel that I could tell my DSS not to give her it when their mother does.

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Original poster
Laurdo · 14/02/2023 11:36

Figgygal · 14/02/2023 11:31

How strange to think thats appropriate at 4
My 11yo still not allowed it as totally unnecessary

Yes, I find it a bit weird as well. Wasn't sure if it was just me though.

OP posts:
Twentywisteria · 14/02/2023 11:38

Laurdo · 14/02/2023 11:32

He chews chewing gum quite a lot though so would be hard to implement that rule if he does it.

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It would drive me mad to hear chewing gum all the time.

Original poster
Laurdo · 14/02/2023 11:42

Twentywisteria · 14/02/2023 11:38

It would drive me mad to hear chewing gum all the time.

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It's not something I really notice to be honest. He has ADHD so I think it helps with that.

OP posts:
BlackCatTabbyCat · 14/02/2023 11:45

Definitely too young. I don't let my 11 year old have it but that's because I can't stand the noske of the chewing 🤮

Mariposista · 14/02/2023 11:57

I live in Spain and very young children chew gum. It terrifies me. I know they can choke on other things but this seems an unnecessary risk.
I never allowed it and won’t have it eaten in the house even now. Fortunately my kids don’t like it, they prefer sweets.

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