When Food is Love

Although parents find it tempting to use junk food as rewards, this "food is love" mentality can create a whole host of problems and set a child up for an eating disorder later in life.

Force-Feeding Love

In an effort to tame their kids, parents often use food as a reward or punishment. While it is a common practice, this teaches the child to rely on food for the wrong reasons.

Food is needed by our bodies for energy and nourishment, not for love or to feel valued. If a child has always been rewarded with junk food for good behaviour, as the child grows up, they will think that they can always reward themselves with food for doing something good. The child's ability to self-regulate their eating diminishes, and they no longer eat for hunger but for emotional stability and self-love.

Alternatively, parents who deny their child treats as a punishment for bad behaviour are also planting the seeds for an unhealthy relationship with food later in life. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2003 looking at the origins of overeating, showed that the kids of parents who do not allow them treats are more likely to desire and overeat these illicit foods.

Parents should encourage their child to try, taste and enjoy all foods, including sweets in moderation. Teaching your child the value of healthy eating will help them form good eating habits early on, as well as ensure they receive proper nutrition for optimal growth, development, and disease prevention.

Healthy Eating in Practice

To ensure your child develops healthy eating practices, try to disassociate food with behaviour. If you want to reward your child, use non-food rewards such as hugs, kisses and verbal affirmations. Take them on an outing to the park, a sports event or to the movies, or spend time with them playing games or reading a book.

If you must punish them for bad behaviour, find alternative ways to discipline other than restricting food. Perhaps take away something important to them, such as television or computer time.