Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

Why Parents Shouldn't Use Food as Reward or Punishment

It's common for parents to offer a "special"—and often unhealthy—food as a reward for good behavior or a job well done. They may also withhold those special treats as a means of punishment. A parent might refuse to serve dessert, for example, if their children have talked back or haven't cleaned their rooms.

Using food as a reward or as a punishment, however, can undermine the healthy eating habits that you're trying to teach your children. Giving sweets, chips, or soda as a reward often leads to children overeating foods that are high in sugar, fat, and empty calories. Worse, it interferes with kids' natural ability to regulate their eating. It also encourages them to eat when they're not hungry to reward themselves.

Young girl dunking a cookie in a glass of milk.

Offering otherwise off-limits food as a reward or special treat is also confusing. Children hear that they're supposed to enjoy foods that are good for them and stay away from foods with little nutritional value. Being told that they can indulge in foods that are bad for them as a reward for doing something good sends a mixed message. They may also start relating unhealthy foods to certain moods—when you feel good about yourself, for instance, it's OK to reach for a sweet.

More drawbacks to disciplining with food

Offering treats as rewards can also lead to cavities and weight gain. When sweets or chips are given as a reward, they may become more appealing. This leads children to start to prefer them instead of healthier foods with nutritional value.

The practice of forcing children to "clean their plates" as a punishment for bad behavior can encourage them to develop bad eating habits, such as eating when they're not hungry. It can also lead to a distaste for those nutritious foods they're being forced to eat.

Alternative rewards and punishments

Parents can offer a number of other rewards, not related to food, to reinforce good behavior. Involve your child in selecting rewards that are meaningful to them. Consider these creative options:

  • Trip to the library, zoo, or other favorite outing

  • New art supplies or coloring books

  • Pencils, stickers, or other supplies that can be taken to school

  • Special bath toy

  • Listening to their favorite music as a family

  • Extra reading time before bed

  • Play date or sleepover with a friend

  • Playing a favorite game with a parent

Establish healthy habits

Getting young children to eat nutritiously can be a challenge. Try not to force them to eat when they're not hungry or if they don't like a certain food (try offering the same item again at other meals, perhaps cooked a different way). Overall, serve a wide variety of nutrient-rich, kid-friendly foods. Don't show concern or get upset if your child turns down a food. For young children, keep servings small. And for all family members, use portion control and healthy serving sizes.

Finally, make mealtime pleasant. Don't argue, talk about problems, or discipline children at the table. Family meals should be relaxed, happy occasions where you can talk about your children's day and share experiences. 

Online Medical Reviewer: Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed: 2/1/2023
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Powered by StayWell
About StayWell | Disclaimer | Terms of Use

Our web site is designed to provide general information to educate users about programs and services, which may be available through our hospitals. The web site is not intended to provide medical advice nor should the information be used to attempt to determine the presence, absence or severity of any illness or medical condition which may be perceived or experienced by the user of this site. If you have or suspect you may have an illness or condition which you believe requires medical attention, we recommend you call your primary care physician. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency please call "911" (or your local medical emergency number) or seek immediate care from the nearest hospital Emergency Department. The provision of information to users of this web site is not intended as an inducement or to otherwise influence a person's decision to order or receive any item or service from a particular provider, practitioner or supplier that is reimbursable under Medicare, a state healthcare program (e.g., AHCCS) or any other healthcare plan.

Physicians are members of the medical staff at each facility, but are independent contractors who are neither employees nor agents of Tenet Florida Coastal Division; and, as a result, Tenet Florida Coastal Division is not responsible for the actions of any of these physicians in their medical practices.