The psychologist explained the children's interest in sweets in the form of monsters and worms

Children's interest in sweets in the form of monsters, worms or eyes is most often a natural manifestation of curiosity and does not indicate any psychological problems. Maria Todorova, a child and family psychologist and family development consultant, told Izvestia about this on July 13.

According to the expert, children are attracted by the bright colors, unusual shapes and the playful element of such products. Additional interest is fueled by manufacturers and popular Internet content, which rely on the unusual appearance of sweets in order to evoke vivid emotions and a desire to try a novelty in a child.

"Such behavior is a normal age stage. Children strive to explore new things, test the boundaries of what is acceptable, and also show interest in unusual and even slightly frightening things. The reason for concern arises not because of the choice of sweets, but in the presence of persistent emotional disorders, aggressive behavior, obsessive fears or serious communication difficulties," Todorova explained.

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The psychologist emphasized that strict prohibitions in such situations are rarely effective. On the contrary, the more strongly adults forbid a certain product to a child, the more attractive it becomes. This is especially true for sweets that are actively discussed among peers or become popular on social networks.

The expert recommends that parents stay calm and not turn the purchase or refusal to buy unusual sweets into an emotional event. Instead of prohibitions, it is better to explain to the child that the unusual shape of sweets is primarily a marketing technique, and when choosing products, it is worth paying attention to their quality and composition.

In addition, the atmosphere in the family plays an important role. According to Todorova, if a trusting relationship is formed between parents and a child and adults remain a significant authority for him, the influence of Internet trends and peer opinions is significantly reduced. In this case, the child is more likely to focus on the position of close people, rather than on the fashionable hobbies of his environment.

The Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation announced on July 12 that the desire of children to try shaped marmalade in the form of worms or blood is not considered adequate. The ministry clarified that the relevant trends are dictated in foreign videos. Such content, as emphasized by the Ministry of Education, can negatively affect a minor's ability to make the right food choices.

Later, the Ministry of Education stated in its Telegram channel that it had not developed or approved recommendations on specific foods or the color of clothing for children. The Agency stressed that the information disseminated is unreliable or incorrect interpretation.