Q. I know other parents at school are very food-conscious. But is it OK to offer a sweet treat to their kids when they're in my home on a playdate?

Dr Pat's answer:
If other people's children are coming to your house to play and to eat, then their parents will probably inform you if there are any foods that are out-of-bounds because of health or religious issues. As with most things, there's an unspoken element of trust here – the other parents should presume that you'll give their kids a balanced diet and you in return are honour-bound not to fill them up with sweets and snacks and nothing more.

The aim of most parents is a well balanced diet for their children which involves a variety of foodstuffs including sweet things in moderation. As long as you're providing a healthy nutritious lunch or tea, then a sweet treat is perfectly OK.

If, however the other parent explicitly says no sweets or snacks other than fruit, then don't give sweets or treats to any of the children there.

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