Stop with All the Food Rewards

We've all done it. Shoot, as kids once we all have lived it. To what am I referring to? Treats as a reward. Everything from ice cream cones, ice cream bars or bowls, candies, doughnuts, pizza, and other sources of food items, have been used as rewards for kids. Parents do it. Doctors do it. Dentists even do it. Teachers do it. You name it, just about everybody has used food as a means of reward (or bribery) for kids. But just because "everybody" has done it, and the vast majority are still doing it, does it make it right? In my opinion, absolutely not!

I am not one to say that you should never allow your kid an ice cream, a sucker, a slice of pizza, or a doughnut ever. I mean, I enjoy these things every now and then. What I am saying, though, is that food (no matter what type it is) should NEVER be used as a reward (or form of bribery). Just because your kid comes home with smiley faces for the week doesn't mean that you have to reward him/her with a double fudge sundae. Or just because your kid got an A on his/her test doesn't mean that you need to throw your kid a pizza party. One of the new trends I have noticed within the last few years is that teachers will hold "pizza parties", "popcorn parties", and/or "doughnut parties" if the students behave and earn all the letters to spell out the party. Say what? My kid doesn't need a Krispy Kreme with extra sprinkles just because the class was on its best behavior. Now, I'm not going to have my kid sit out while the rest of the class enjoys the party, but I don't want to teach her that she needs a doughnut every time she does what she is told to do.

I am sure some of you are getting all huffy & puffy as you read this post. I know what you're thinking. "But rewarding a kid's good behavior is important." True, but that doesn't mean that it has to come in the form of high sugar, high in empty calories and fat foods. There are other ways to reward kids for good behavior. Time at the park. A certificate. Speaking positively and praising them for doing well. Maybe a movie night. Most importantly, I believe that just being there and telling your kid, "Way to go! I'm so proud of you!" goes a lot further than any sundae or doughnut could go. Food isn't meant to be a source of reward. It is meant to be a source of fueling our bodies with the energy needed to function properly.

If you would like to see just what is in some of the "treats" check out this website.http://www.sugarstacks.com/desserts.htm

You can contact me at jaclynturner1@beachbodycoach.com