| Welcome! This page on the MDA website spotlights childhood
health and nutrition. We will be offering tips for both parents and health
professionals. Thanks for visiting, and for helping MDA give ALL children
a healthier future!
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ALTERNATIVES TO USING FOOD AS A REWARD
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Tips for Parents
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| Rewarding children with food, whether it is cookies, candy or carrots, can result in a lifetime of poor
eating habits. It teaches them that to eat when they are not hungry, and as a reward for good behavior.
Not only should food not be a reward for getting an A on test, but it also shouldn’t be a reward for eating
another food. By making dessert a reward for finishing all of their peas, children will learn that sweets
are better than anything else on the table. Try some of these creative alternatives for rewards:
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- Plan something special for just you and your child, like a day at the park with Dad for an A
on her spelling test, or a bike ride around the block with Mom for making her bed everyday.
- Have a game night, and let your child choose the game and where to play it.
- Let your child choose a new book from the store or library to read for herself, or for Mom or Dad to read to her.
- Have kids help planning meals and snacks.
- Have a movie night. Let your child pick out the movie, and maybe even invite a friend or two
over to celebrate her accomplishment.
- Allow extra time for your child to do their favorite activity.
- Remember: as it is important to promote physical activity, try to base rewards around active
things that your child enjoys doing, like running, dancing, biking or just playing outside. It is
also important that the family play a role in rewards, as they are an important part of a child’s
support system.
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Tips for Health Professionals
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| It is common for children to be reward at school for behaving in a certain way, or meeting a certain
standard. Teachers can try some of these tips for non-food rewards that students will be sure to enjoy:
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- Allow free time at the end of class to talk quietly from their seats with their friends.
- Give students stickers, pencils, or erasers for a job well done.
- Let students help the teacher with special projects or work that needs to be done.
- Let students sit by the teacher for a day, or half of a day, for good behavior.
- Substitute whole-grain flour for half or all of the white flour when
baking.
- Play a favorite game.
- Allow extra time for recess.
- Have a teacher read a book to the class of their choosing.
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References/Links
Obesity Evaluation and Treatment: Expert Committee Recommendations-
an article from PEDIATRICS Vol. 102 No. 3 September 1998.
Michigan Department of Community Health
National Institute on Child Health and Human Development
US Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control
United Dairy Industry of Michigan.
UDIM is the umbrella organization for the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council of Michigan.
National Dairy Council.
Visit the Health Professionals link for the 3-A-Day campaign, Nutrition Library,
Newer Knowledge of Dairy Foods, Statements, and Consumer Education materials.
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