Child psychiatrist: Jimmy Kimmel really should stop scarring kids by having parents take away their candy

The Washington Post

Kids in those viral videos are “reacting not so much to the temporary loss of candy but to a sense of betrayal that will linger long after their parents own up to the joke,” says Meg van Achterberg. She adds: “Kimmel has gotten a lot of attention this year since his son was born with a condition requiring open-heart surgery. He spoke out against Obamacare repeal efforts that would strip coverage from people, like his son, with preexisting conditions. I am hopeful that the same compassion his son’s illness inspired for sick Americans will spark his empathy for all the kids who wake up Nov. 1 to face parents whose casual cruelty, however short-lasting, eats away at the trust small children need to feel secure.”