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Why it is sending the wrong message to our kids |
The ultimate goal of rewarding children is to help them internalize positive behaviors so that they will not need a reward. Rewarding children in the home or in the classroom does not need to involve candy or food. Using candy or food as a reward reaches beyond the short-term benefits of good behavior.
Rewarding children with candy or food:
Encourages overeating of foods high in sugar and fat
Teaches children to eat when they're not hungry
Teaches children to reward themselves with food
Teaches children to connect food to mood
Contributes to poor health
Undermines healthy habits
Giving children candy on a regular basis helps to foster a sweet tooth and decreases the chance that these children will be open to eating the wide variety of foods needed for growth and health. Research on child feeding practices has shown that foods used as “rewards” become more desirable to children than if they had not been used as rewards. So, when candy is used as a reward, children come to like it more and want it more than they would otherwise. As seen in the above statistics, this behavior can pave the way for the formation of bad habits and patterns later in life By giving children empty calories as a reward for good behavior; we are saying "Here is something unhealthy for you because you behaved so well." Does this make sense?
Below is a list of alternatives to candy and food which can be used at home:
Stickers, pencils, and other school supplies Receive a “mystery pack” (notepad, folder, sports cards, etc.) Coloring books Stamps Stencils Extra stories at bedtime Special bubble bath Go to the library for special story time Key chains Special pens; markers; crayons A special adventure trip (e.g. museum or aquarium) For older children-maybe a friend sleeping over
Sent in by Jennifer Minihan Local Mom and Body Builder
