If you want a child to perform well in school give him candy for accomplishments. If you want to successfully potty train your child, give him a piece of candy for each time he uses the potty. If you want children to pay attention in Sunday school, be sure to offer candy as a reward. Teachers, parents and all adults know that to get a kid’s attention offer candy as a reward.
Adults are not immune to the effects of candy or chocolate. Look at all the national holidays dedicated to candy and chocolate:
National Jelly Bean Day—April 22
National Candy Corn Day—October 30
National Candy Day—November 4
National Cotton Candy Day—December 7
National Buttercrunch Day–January 20
National Gumdrop Day–February 15
American Chocolate Week–March 14-20
National Chocolate Day–October 28
National Chocolate Day–December 28
National Chocolate Day–December 29
National Milk Chocolate Day–July 28
National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day–November 7
National Chocolate Mint Day–February 19
National Chocolate Chip Day–May 15
National Chocolate Eclair Day–June 22
National Chocolate Covered Anything Day–December 16
National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day–March 24
National Chocolate Custard Month–May 1-31
National Chocolate Pudding Day–June 26
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day–June 7
National Chocolate Milkshake Day–September 12
I wonder what would change if bosses gave their employees chocolate as reward for a job well done? What about a piece of candy for every 5 pounds lost?
There is nothing wrong with a little sugar indulgence every now and then. However, we need to offer children alternatives to candy rewards. If we begin to reward a child with sweets then the child will associate sugar with a job well done. This will result in an adult who eats a pie or a handful of jelly beans as a means of celebration. This works the same way as when we give sweets to comfort a child. Soon the child will earn to associate sweets with comfort. This will result in an adult who eats a pie or handful of jelly beans as a way to feel better.
Our obsession with treating ourselves to sweets when we feel joy or sorrow needs to be replaced with healthier alternatives. There is nothing with telling a child how well he performed with words or a hug. The same is true if a child is emotionally distraught. If you feel the need to reward with something tangible try stickers or fake money that he can redeem for real prizes from you. If you feel the need to express comfort in another way then try spending time coloring together, going for a walk or doing something athletic to blow off some steam. This will result in adults who choose healthier ways to indulge during life’s ups and downs.
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