Special events for kids often center on treats and sweets. From birthday parties to family gatherings and holidays, it can be tough for children with weight issues to enjoy themselves. It's important to stress the friendship, family, and fun of those occasions and to provide healthy snack alternatives.

Remember that forbidding any particular food on a holiday spread is not the answer. Unless your child has food allergies, saying “no way” to something everyone around him is digging into will only frustrate him and make the forbidden food that much more attractive. A better approach is to limit portion size or allow your child to choose one selection from several rich desserts on the menu.

Above all, stress that parties are about enjoying time with friends, taking part in games and good conversation, and celebrating cultural heritage and family traditions. Food can of course be a part of that, but it should dominate neither the occasion nor your child's attention.