Avoid Using Food as an Incentive

When parents use food as part of a rewards system, it sends confusing messages to children. Kids need to know that integrating a variety of foods into their diets is important. Parents’ main mode of communicating healthy eating habits to kids is by providing family meals that include balanced plates. Integrating treats and play foods into this overall plan is easily accomplished through special family restaurant outings, homemade desserts when time permits, and weekend birthday parties. When things like desserts or candy are offered as rewards, this can begin an unintentional foray into emotional eating. For instance, if candy is offered repeatedly as a reward, then a child may associate feelings of happiness with that food and reach for it during other bouts of happiness outside of being rewarded.

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