Does your child's school reward the class that read the most books during the "promote reading week" with a pizza party? Are students who achieved the honor roll given an ice cream treat? There are many disadvantages of using food as a reward. Not only does it encourage children to overeat foods high in fat and sugar, it teaches them to eat when they're not necessarily hungry - to reward themselves.
Suggest to your school some alternatives to food rewards. Some ideas:
- Stickers, pencils, or other school supplies
- Watching a video
- Extra recess or art time
- Having the teacher read a special book
- Playing a game as a class