If it is sometimes tempting to reward your child when he has been good with a candy or a biscuit, this is not a good way to educate him regarding his diet. On the contrary, it is better to reward it with other objects.
Avoid valuing food
By rewarding your child with a food, you make him understand that some foods are more valuable than others, thus creating the idea that meals are less interesting. This practice encourages him to eat for all sorts of reasons other than his appetite, and risks leading him to eating disorders.
If of course he can eat cakes or candies on occasion, it is better to associate them with special events such as parties or birthdays for example. To avoid giving value to certain foods, do not hesitate to also offer healthy and nutritious foods that can also be associated with pleasure and celebration.
Use other rewards
If your child is well behaved in the store or has been to the bathroom to pee and you want to reward him, prefer to give him a sticker or a collectible object for example so that he understands that you are proud of him. However, remember that the best rewards are kind words and hugs.
Find out more: “When it’s okay when it’s not – their diet: Their diet explained to children (and parents)” by Thierry Marx and Laure Monloubou.
