I know, and I'm sure that anyone who reads this can either remember back to when they were kids or practice food as a reward currently with their own children, I know I do! Unfortunately I am also aware of how their perception of foods is impacted by this, so I try to minimize it when I can. In the past few months, we have dramatically reduced out fast-food consumption, although I am sad to say that often I succumb to demands and drive to Sonic, McDonalds and places like that for a shake or ice cream or something less than desirable health-wise. Similar to the issues addressed in the blog from Maryann Jacobson RD, I have made an effort to curb the manner in which these "rewards" are set up. I no longer try to use food that they wouldn't typically eat as retribution for anything, nor do I coax behavior out of them with sugary snacks, instead I try to associate a treat with an independent activity, done without my oversight, as a suprise or unique occasion. I try to be mindful of distorted eating patterns, and I guess the future will determine how successful I was.
http://www.raisehealthyeaters.com/2011/05/what-rewarding-kids-with-food-looks-like-20-years-later/
Extra tips:
http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=160&ContentID=32
I have really been enjoying your blog post! This particular post caught my attention, even though I do not have kids of my own yet, I see so many children in the public that get food as a reward. For example the other day I was in Target and I was minding my own business when I over heard a parent telling their child they could get a toy if they would sit still in the cart. The child then told the mother he didn't want a toy so the mom they coaxed him with buying him and ice cream cone and the childs eye lite up. I like the different ideas you talk about in your bloggs and they definitely have helped me get ideas for when I do have children!
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