For decades, parents everywhere have believed in the great “sugar rush”—that magical moment when kids consume a sugary snack and suddenly transform into bouncing, wild little energy machines. But guess what? Sugar doesn’t actually make kids hyper! That’s right, the “sugar rush” is more myth than science.

So, Where Did This Idea Come From?

The myth of sugar making kids hyper goes back to the 1970s, when one study suggested that sugar was linked to hyperactivity. From then on, the idea spread like wildfire. Parents everywhere began blaming candy, cake, and cookies for their children’s high-energy antics. But later studies have debunked this theory, showing that there’s no direct link between sugar and hyperactivity.

The Power of Expectation

Here’s the fun part: when parents expect their kids to get hyper after eating sugar, they’re more likely to notice their kids acting excited. This is called the placebo effect—where our expectations shape what we think we see. So, if you believe a birthday cake is going to turn your child into a little whirlwind, you might notice every energetic move they make afterward.

The Real Culprits: Excitement and Environment

It turns out, it’s not the sugar that gets kids all wound up—it’s the environment! When do kids usually get sugary treats? At birthday parties, Halloween, or during special events. These are moments when kids are already excited, running around with their friends, and having a blast. The sugar just happens to be along for the ride!

What Sugar Really Does

Sugar might not send kids into hyperdrive, but it can give a quick boost of energy—just not in the wild, chaotic way we’ve been led to believe. Your body uses sugar (glucose) for fuel, but once the energy is used up, kids are more likely to feel a little tired instead of hyped up.