It is important that food is never used as a reward or punishment in your centre. Teach preschoolers to think of food as a way of giving their bodies the nutrients they need to be active, strong and healthy. They can also take pleasure in eating with friends and celebrating special events.

When food is used as a reward, it can change a child’s understanding of food, learning to associate foods with good behaviour or success. Not only is this confusing, but it can also lead them to prefer unhealthy foods and develop unhealthy eating habits.

Here are some food-free ways to reward preschoolers:
• positive verbal reinforcement (i.e. awesome, great work)
• high fives
• awards, certificates, stickers
• extra physical activity time or free playtime
• allow children to choose the next activity and where
• let children be a special helper
• have a treasure box that kids can select a non-food reward from

Adapted from Feeding Preschoolers, Government of Alberta and Healthy Eating for
Your Toddler, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador