Sugar Shunner: This mom enforces a strict no-sweets policy. No cookies, candy, or ice cream. Her idea of a “treat” is a granola-and-yogurt “sundae.”

Reality check: Loading up on nutritionally void sugar calories isn’t wise, but forbidding sugar entirely isn’t answer either, says Lynn Marotz, Ph.D., R.N., a professor of human development at University of Kansas and coauthor of Health, Safety, and Nutrition for Young Child. Completely restricting sugary foods can backfire big time: Instead of having a child who occasionally indulges his sweet tooth, you may create a kid obsessed with cookies, candy, and cake.   Sitterphobe: “I never have a second to myself,” this mother tells you (and tells you and tells you). You agree, judging by her slightly frazzled demeanor, that she could use a break. Maybe a trip to gym. A date with her husband. Time to herself. So you recommend great babysitter you’ve found. She responds with one of those “but-I-love-my-children” looks. And says something like: “Nobody can care for a child as well as her own mother.”

Reality check: “A lot of mothers suffer incredible guilt about needing help to care for their children,” Dr. Berger says. “And if Mom works full-time, guilt is compounded. Every spare second, she figures, needs to be lavished on her kids.” Trouble is, an overwhelmed mom isn’t going to be on top of her game. Every parent (and every marriage) can benefit from occasional kid-free outing. “It recharges your batteries and allows you to breathe in a different kind of atmosphere,” Dr. Berger says. “When you take care of yourself, you take better care of your kids.” And if you don’t work outside home, hiring occasional sitter teaches your children that people other than you can provide them with care and safety. Besides, there’s another bonus to getting away every now and then: When you return home, not only will you appreciate your kids even more, they’ll appreciate you more too.