According to many studies,
parents are using food as a reward for good behavior of their children. The
majority of times they do this- use food as a reward- they allow to their
children to eat unhealthy snacks, for example chocolate, lollipops, candies,
chips and so on. So, parents should not use food like this. How can this habit
effect on children’s behavior or their eating habits?
Some parents claim that their
children conform to their suggestions when the exchange is a snack. I firmly
believe that this use for food is not a good idea. The children learn to do
their responsibilities only because after they can eat unhealthy but delicious
snack. With this situation the children are never truly responsible.
On the other hand, with this practice
parents lead their children to unhealthy diet, maybe over time obesity linked
to this practice. In addition, another effect is the irresponsibility of
children and they learn to expect rewards for any good behavior. The society
does not work like this.
To sum up, I think that parents
may have to stop allowing their children to eat unhealthy snacks as a reward
for good behavior. They could talk with their children about “good behavior”
and find different ways to help their children. For example I suggest two
different ways. Example one: “The Behavior Contract”; parents and children
could agree to the terms of the contract, and when the terms are respected
reward them with a trip, a book or something they want. Example two: “Board
with stickers”; the children take a stick every time they do well their
responsibilities. When they collect ex. ten, parents reward them.
With these suggestions, I want
to mention the importance of teaching them their responsibilities. Of course
this situation stops when the children understand exactly what they are
expected to do. In this way they don’t affect their eating habits but they help
them to really understand.
Editor: Lalou Spiridoula-Maria
PrimaryTeacher