How to Stop Using Food to Reward and Punish Your Kids

How to Stop Using Food to Reward and Punish Your Kids
There are many ways to show your affection and help children deal with emotional difficulties without using treats or food as a default. Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock
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At one time or another, just about every parent uses food to reward their kids for good behavior and achievements—or to console them when they’re sad or disappointed.

When children make honor roll, win a big game, or persevere through a struggle, a parent might express their pride and joy with candy or ice cream. Likewise, when kids feel down and out, pick-me-ups can take the form of a treat. The reasons for this are simple: Using food as an incentive might get results, and salty, sweet, or sugary foods are often within easy reach.

Stephanie Meyers 
Stephanie Meyers 
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