Which practice should be avoided when assisting overweight children?

Which practice should be avoided when assisting overweight children?

• A. Don't reward children for good behavior or try to stop bad behavior with treats.
• B. Don't insist that children finish all the food on their plates.
• C. Do provide healthy foods and drinks.
• D. Plan activities that give children numerous opportunities to engage in physical play and exercise.

Answer: (A)

Using food as a reward or to stop misbehavior should be avoided. Treats tied to behavior teaches that food is a payoff or punishment, which can create unhealthy feelings around eating and make it harder for children to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues. This approach can contribute to emotional eating and long‑term weight challenges. Positive alternatives include providing healthy foods and drinks, planning activities that promote lots of physical play, and avoiding pressuring kids to finish every bite on their plate. These strategies support healthy habits without tying food to behavior, making them the better approach.

Using food as a reward or to stop misbehavior should be avoided. Treats tied to behavior teaches that food is a payoff or punishment, which can create unhealthy feelings around eating and make it harder for children to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues. This approach can contribute to emotional eating and long‑term weight challenges.

Positive alternatives include providing healthy foods and drinks, planning activities that promote lots of physical play, and avoiding pressuring kids to finish every bite on their plate. These strategies support healthy habits without tying food to behavior, making them the better approach.