We all love a good reward! Even now, I am still motivated by the little gold stars when we have an exercise challenge at my local barre studio. Rewards are prevalent throughout our school system and are used to recognize and celebrate student accomplishments. Often times rewards are food-based, as they are inexpensive (think candy or sugary beverages ) and improve short-term behavior. Additionally candy and packaged goods are often turned to as many food items, including home-baked are not allowed for distribution in schools because of food allergies.
Here’s the thing, and it’s really difficult as it’s so ingrained in our society…food should never be used as a reward – or a punishment. Food should be appreciated as a means of nourishment and enjoyment, and contribute to growth and development. While well-intentioned, using food as a reward can have negative consequences and set in force unhealthy habits and actions that can last a lifetime.
Here’s why:
- Emotional eating. Using food as rewards can teach kids to eat when they’re not hungry. They may be more likely to develop an association between certain foods and positive feelings, and children may turn to these foods to feel good in the future.
- Encourages non-nutritious choices. Inexpensive sugar-laden beverages and candy can contradict nutrition lessons in the classroom and reinforce foods that have little nutritional value. Foods provided to children should be nutrient-dense and contribute to growth and development.
- Expectation of food as reward. It teaches kids that achievements should be marked by eating.
- Reinforces value of unhealthy foods. Using sweets and foods with low nutritional value as rewards sends the message that these foods are more valuable than nutritional choices.
- Excessive rewards. Children have many accomplishments and turning to food as reward can lead to encouraging an abundance of unhealthy foods throughout the day, versus as a special treat.
The good news is some studies show that children actually prefer non-food rewards! This is reason to celebrate. Time and attention continue to be of the utmost importance to children in helping them to feel seen and worthy. It just takes a little creativity and forethought to change how we recognize their achievements.
So what can we do? Don’t underestimate the power of recognition! It doesn’t have to be of epic proportions. Personalized efforts such as a note to the students’ parents, a certificate of recognition or a shout out during announcements, on the school website or bulletin board can do the trick.
Here are some non-food rewards to use in the classroom:
Preschool and Elementary School
- Have extra time or class outdoors
- Extra recess time or physical activity break
- Play music in the classroom
- Play a favorite game
- Watch a movie
- Win a free scholastic book or credit towards book order
- Share with the class about a favorite book/toy/hobby, etc.
- Be a helper in the classroom
- Be class leader for activities
- Read book of choice to the class
- Have lunch with the teacher
- Get extra free time
- Extra time to do art, or activity of choice
- Pajama day
- Non-food rewards such as stickers, pencils, bouncy balls, erasers, books, etc.
- Read morning announcements
- Enter name in class raffle
Middle and High School
Some of the above can be used in middle and high school as well, with the addition of more age-appropriate rewards, such as:
- Listen to music while working
- Sit with friends
- Reduced homework or a “get out of homework” pass
- Choose a group activity
- Extra computer time
- Have class outdoors
- Get extra credit
- Tickets to school events
Be creative! Let’s make the most out of this time when we, as parents and teachers have so much influence over our children, and help them make positive associations with food and healthy behaviors to set our youth up for a lifestyle of healthy choices!
