Using Food as a Reward: What Parents Should Know
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Using food as a reward means giving a child a treat or preferred food to encourage eating other foods. Experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics advise against this practice because it can lead to negative food relationships. Alternatives include the division of responsibility approach, where parents control what, when, and where food is served, and children decide how much to eat.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Offer one familiar food alongside new or less-preferred foods at meals
- 2Avoid pressuring your child to eat or using food as a reward
- 3Involve your child in simple food preparation tasks
What to say
- “You can try a little bit of this, and if you don't like it, that's okay.”
- “It's your choice how much to eat, and I'll keep offering different foods.”
- “Let's wash these carrots together before we eat them!”
What to practice consistently
- Consistently serving meals and snacks at regular times
- Modeling healthy eating by eating a variety of foods yourself
- Keeping mealtimes pleasant and free from battles or pressure
What to avoid
- Using sweets or treats as a reward for eating other foods
- Withholding dessert or favorite foods as punishment
- Pressuring or forcing the child to eat certain amounts
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Offering a variety of healthy foods multiple times without pressure
- Allowing the child to decide whether and how much to eat (division of responsibility)
- Avoiding food rewards or punishments to prevent unhealthy food associations
- Modeling healthy eating behaviors as a family by eating together
- Serving at least one accepted food alongside new or less-preferred foods to reduce mealtime stress
- Involving children in food preparation to increase interest in trying new foods
Related questions
It is an approach where parents decide what, when, and where food is served, and children decide whether and how much to eat.
Research suggests 10 to 15 exposures may be needed before a child is willing to try a new food.
Yes, involving children in age-appropriate food preparation can increase their interest in trying new foods.
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From around the web
Picky Eating and How to Handle It
Discusses common picky eating behaviors and strategies to encourage healthy eating.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Tips to Help Your Child Eat Healthy Foods
Provides guidance on healthy eating habits for children aged 2 and older.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
How to Encourage Healthy Eating Habits
Offers practical advice for making mealtimes pleasant and encouraging children to try new foods.
Nemours KidsHealth