Using dessert as a reward for eating vegetables, taking advantage of the free cookie at the grocery store if the kids behave, promising ice cream if the kids complete their chores…these are all examples of using foods as a reward for good behaviour. I’m sure we all have been guilty of this behaviour at one point or another, and while it’s true we all deserve a reward every once and a while, an edible treat may not be the best option. The following from WebMD discusses why using food for praise doesn’t work in the long run and tips to put a stop to this slippery slope once you’ve begun.
WebMD: Why Praising Kids With Food Doesn’t Work