Food Rewards

from 7/24/12 Post

Food Rewards
    

Are you guilty of rewarding your children (or yourself) with food?  I know I am.  Have you considered that you are setting them up for emotional eating issues later in life?  Think about it.  If  you reward your child with a "treat" for good behavior and/or revoke a "treat" for bad behavior, the association your child builds is one of comfort with food.  Not good!  Food is fuel and enjoyable, but should not be so closely associated with feelings of emotional comfort and reward.  As an adult, I'm sure you can see in your own behavior how this has been an ongoing issue, so as a parent you can certainly see how you can help them later in their life by not "rewarding" them now with food. Rewards

Instead, reward them and yourself with time (not things or food).  Play a game, read a book, snuggle, whatever it is, trust me when I say that your children will treasure the moments you spend with them both in the present as well in the future.  Then, you will have associated activity and time with emotion as opposed to food or material things. 

Also:  Your Children Are Watching!  &  Sad but True

 

The next time you "reward" yourself for good behavior consider this:  Why would you reward yourself for good behavior with bad habits???