Sweets don’t cause hyperactivity.

From the run-up to Christmas and New Year’s, there will be a lot of sweet goodies to be passed around. If you have kids, you know they can smell the good stuff and will be clamoring for their share. Our house still has gingerbread cookies, chocolates and other sweet treats sent over as Christmas gifts. I admit, the kids have been getting more treats than usual. Just like the adults!

I was one of those parents who assumed that one reason to control high-sugar foods was that they caused hyperactivity – particularly in children. Well, the verdict is out. Sugar high is a myth. Scientists tell us why.

Barbra Strupp, Cornell University professor of nutritional sciences and psychology, points out how studies show sugar has no effect on behavior and does not negatively affect thinking or concentration. There have been at least 20-double-blind, placebo-controlled studies showing no change in children’s behavior when they have had a dose of sugar.

Strup says, “the evidence is so strong and conclusive that the link between sugar and hyperactivity is now simply a non-issue from a scientific perspective.

So why did many of us believe that too much jelly beans could turn our kids into jumping beans?

Strupp thinks it may have to do with the context in which children are given sweets. Parents who limit sugar intake to special occasions might attribute their child’s buzz to the birthday cake, when it’s actually more about the thrill of finally having sweets and the excitement of the festivities.

“It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy,” says Strupp. “Many parents believe that sugar is a stimulant, and as a result they limit sugar intake. When they do make the exception, the child probably will be excited, which reinforces the myth. Parties and family gatherings also tend to create heightened activity in children, which parents attribute to the sugar.”

This is not to say I’m giving my kids all the sugar they want. As always, sugar intake should be controlled. Sugary foods can replace hunger for nutritious food, it can lead to obesity and tooth decay and may even have an addictive quality. The aim is to limit the sugar. But no total ban.

It’s the holidays anyhow, so allow your sugarplum a piece of pie or some chocolate when the rest of the family is indulging. If sugarplum is a little extra excited, don’t blame the candy. The parties, new people, other kids to play with, the presents and good old holiday excitement can make most of us more spirited than usual. Makes sense, don’t you think?

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