How to mess with your child (Part 1)

I have always been intrigued by my sister-out-law's child-reading decisions, but I came across two particularly curious ones while down with the out-laws for Mothers' Day.

1. Let your sporty seven-year old son have both his ears pierced, with large black plastic studs.
2. Give this child only potatoes and gravy for lunch, then let him eat half a packet of chocolate chip cookies straight after.

I understand that kids can be fussy, and that, given half a chance, they will eat nothing but biscuits and cake. Which is why they come equipped with parents who say things like 'Not until you eat all your peas!'. Or not...