Why I always have chewing gum

Why I always have chewing gum As you all know by now, I am one of those moms who are conscious about what my kids eat. And as I said before, when it comes to sweets, I believe in moderation but not total abstinence. Which is why I always have a pack of chewing gum in my handbag.

Chewing gum, I find, is very handy in certain situations. For example, chewing gum can:

Calm down restless, stressed or hyperactive kids. On long drives or train rides, I usually give out one piece (not one pack!) to each of my boys during the last 50 or so kilometres. “We’re almost there” just doesn’t do the trick anymore. However, the act of chewing seems to have a calming effect

Keep tired kids moving for few more minutes. On walks, hikes, or cycling tours, chewing gum can encourage my boys to go on, at least for another half an hour or so till we get to our destination.

Prevent ear aches and being sick on the plane. A good trick to prevent an ear ache during take offs and landings is by swallowing. Having gum in their mouths make kids chew and swallow frequently. I also find that the chewing keeps them busy, distracting them from plane movements that might make them sick. Of course, this trick wouldn’t apply in Singapore where gum is banned.

The good thing is that, my boys are happy to chew on a piece of gum for half an hour or more so that I usually need only one piece for the aforementioned purposes. Of course I only buy the sugar-free kind.

Now, this new study revealed that it can serve another purpose. It seems chewing gum helps people forget cravings for snacks, especially sweet snacks. The researchers claim that chewing gum can potentially help in appetite control and weight management. Now, that’s another good reason to carry chewing gum, in addition to the fresh breath bonus, of course. But remember, if you ever give gum to your kids, make sure they you teach them how to dispose of them properly afterwards!