The trouble with using food as a reward

As parents our main goal is to raise happy and healthy children.  We strive to provide the healthiest environment for our kids and that includes healthy food choices that will support their growth and development.  Despite all of our efforts however, things can quickly go south when we treat our kids to food for a job well done or when they are feeling down.  The foods chosen for these treats are often tasty and are high in fat, sugar and / or salt and have little nutritional value. 

Oops, been there, done that! 

Don’t beat yourself up if this has happened more than once in your household, it is extremely easy to fall into the food reward trap.  Many of us grew up receiving ice cream after winning a soccer game, getting straight A’s on a report card or falling off our bikes.  We may have also encountered the classic “no dessert if you don’t finish your dinner” rule.  Many, if not most of us have been conditioned to see food as a reward, something we deserve for a job well done or even after a trying day. 

What’s the big deal? 

Using food as a reward can have a negative impact on our children’s relationship with food now and in the future.  By emphasizing these treat foods as a reward we are sending the message that they are more desirable, validating the misconception that healthy foods do not taste as good.  Using food as a reward also leads children to link food to mood, therefore eating when they are not hungry but rather when they are happy or sad. Overall, the impact of food rewards on a child’s relationship with food can be significant and can set the foundation for that relationship as they move through different stages in their lives. The implications can be serious: difficult relationships with food can lead to eating disorders, disordered eating, and weight cycling. As parents we want to see our kids growing and developing in positive ways, making healthy choices and being part of healthy relationships, food should be no exception. 

So what can you do to celebrate a success or make a sad day brighter?

Look for other ways to celebrate a success or help your child to feel better after a bad day.  Treat your child to a special outing, extra time to play, a family movie or game night and a playdate with a friend.  Keep a collection of small toys, pencils, books and stickers to use as rewards.  And don’t forget about good old hugs and kisses to make them feel good and put a smile on their face and yours.