The Five Keys to Using Food Treats Wisely

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Article source: http://www.unitycollege.sa.edu.au/. Used with author's permission.

There is a discipline strategy that has snuck under the radar of many parenting commentators. No, its not the naughty chairit's food treating.

A survey conducted recently by Smith's Snackfood found that 6 out of 10 Australian mums give their children a food treat at least once a week as a reward for cooperative behaviour.

Finishing dinner, volunteering for jobs and tidying their bedrooms were the main treat earners for kids. Nearly half of the parents surveyed said they gave their children food treats far more than their parents gave them, yet 80% said grandparents give the kids more food treats than they do.

Giving kids food treats is not a new concept. Parents have given children food treats for years as a way of showing their appreciation for cooperative behaviour or just as an enjoyable experience.

There is little inherently wrong in giving kids a food treats HOWEVER with childhood obesity currently the biggest health issue facing Australian children parents need to be mindful how they use food treat.

Following are five guidelines to observe when using treats:

1. Give food treats in moderation.

Parents need to be mindful that they don't teach their children to kids to eat more than they need to by associating good behaviour with food. Besides give a child a treat too often and soon becomes a right rather than a privilege. And then you need something bigger (or in this case sweeter or tastier) to get a reaction.

2. Avoid using food treats (or any treat) as a bribe.

If you behave when we are shopping I will give you a (………) is a bribe that teaches kids to behave when something is in it for them. Potential bribers beware - you need deep pockets or a full fridge as kids will always want more. It is better to provide a small treat after the cooperative behaviour to show your appreciation.

3. Accompany any treat with a verbal message.

Parental recognition in the form of 'well done' or 'thank you - that behaviour was terrific' is a high motivator for children and young people. In fact, you should be using parental recognition far more than you use treats to catch kids doing the right thing.

4. Use a consistent approach between parents.

The Smith's survey showed that mothers are more likely to give children food treats than fathers so it seems parents need to get their act together about the use of treats. There is little wrong with one parent giving more treats than the other as longer both agree as to how food treats will be used.

5. Ensure treats and rewards are part of a variety of discipline strategies.

Effective parents use a variety of strategies to shape behaviour and ensure cooperation, including distraction, good use of language and behavioural consequences to teach responsibility.

Perhaps, the most important element in the whole treating exercise is to maintain the surprise factor. Any treat received when it is least expected tends to have the most impact, cause the most excitement and bring the biggest smile to a young face.