A response from decades of experience may be of interest. We have two sons, neither of which was given sweets as such unless very rarely until three or four. My (late) mother thought we were being very cruel to deny them sweets at first and then continue limiting them up to school age. In particular, lumps of boiled sweets (hard candy) were an absolute no-no at all times. Now aged 30 and 22 (well, almost 23), neither eats much of sweets of any kind and neither is keen on anything other than chocolate (I am somewhat addicted to the stuff). In particular, the younger one detests all the various sugary ones (anything from pick and mix type jelly babies through hard lumps to toffees, and Mars bar types are yuk). On chocolate, both can be quite discerning. Both enjoy food proper and the same one is particular about avoidance of junk food. Both eat more than they should and exercise less than they should and are therefore overweight, but not because of binging on sweets because they put their weight on after reaching their twentieth birthday. I believe the excess is derived from more cake than is healthy - something they got in small but regular measure from early childhood. Their mother is a good cook and her baking is superb, all home made from raw ingredients. Both boys are living alone, cook for themselves and the younger one is particularly capable in that respect. One interesting point is that neither drinks either tea or coffee - but then neither do I (around 5kg heavier than when I was 18, then not overweight). In short, I think it is entirely reasonable to go against the trend and not give children sweets - I would even urge all to follow that rule.