Candy and other sweet treats are a powerful incentive. Whether we like it or not, the best motivators are always things children crave. Candy is inexpensive and offers a child many choices. Using sweets as a reward may bring success with a negative child who doesn't respond to other approaches. In such cases, use star charts and praise simultaneously for improved behavior and continue to do so after the use of candy as a reward has been phased out.
Sugar can be useful in helping a finicky eater try an essential new food.
Some children who have breast-fed until almost a year of age will not accept any cow's milk products. One way to help them make this transition is to sweeten cow's milk with something such as honey. When the child is drinking enough cow's milk, gradually phase out the sweetener. Some children will take bitter medicine more easily when it is mixed with something sweet, such as Kool-Aid or chocolate pudding. Most adults and children enjoy sweets.