Hi there, your comment made me think about my argument more, so I really appreciate it. I hope the rest of this doesn't come across as overly negative or me quick to blame/shame parents (and parents only) for the following problems I mention. Parents have an incredibly hard job. Our society is complex and there is far more at play than simply parenting styles. I think I simply disagree with the title/wording. That being said, this is what my reasoning is:

Does "great parenting items" insinuate anything? On the other hand, would "terrible parenting items" insinuate anything? I realize that 'great' directly modifies 'items,' but I guess I question what makes an item great or terrible in the context of parenting. Candy can be both great or terrible, depending on the parent - it isn't the item itself which is great (although it is great-tasting).

I really do think candy can be used as a tool to teach valuable lessons in moderation, and thus they can be great items for parenting/great parenting items/items for great parents/however else you could interpret the title. These items are great for parenting insofar as the parent is great at parenting. If you have a parent who struggles with moderation, then.... I think you can see where this is going. The items aren't great in and of themselves, it is the great parent that makes the item great, and I think almost any item could be used by a great parent to teach a valuable lesson.

For example, it can be easy to give candy to a kid who is pitching a fit because s/he wants candy, but there are consequences of rewarding bad behavior which ultimately can outpace the short-term effect of making things easier/quieter. A similar example is giving the child a non-disposable platter to bring to school/social outing. Yes, it makes life easier (and maybe even better) short-term, but I think this needs to be balanced with lessons to teach the child appreciation for items they already have and need to keep to use later.

Looking at our increasing levels of childhood obesity, I wonder if it is wise to continue to showcase these nutritionally deficient foods as great items for parenting- especially at the top of the list - without an argument as to why they're great/how to use them in a great way. I don't mean to shame people who give candy to their children, I only mean to call attention to a growing problem which is caused by other factors other than parenting style (such as blatant, one-sided advertisement of products).

I could make a similar argument for our growing landfills and disposable products. Neither obesity nor a trash problem are easy or cheap to fix down the road, and if being true to the sub this is posted in (we ARE in /r/Frugal, right?), disposable items and nutritionally deficient foods should not be associated with being good without an argument as to how they can be used for good, rather than just making life easier while being inexpensive in the short-term. There is more to being frugal than the price you pay at the register.

Be a great parent by teaching your child necessary lessons s/he will call upon throughout life. Don't rely on giving x, y, z items to your child determine whether you're a great (or terrible) parent.