How to Stop Relying on Food to Celebrate Life's Big Moments with your Kids

NON-FOOD REWARDS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
By Kristi Rambo
 
We’ve probably all experienced the use of food as a reward. Food can play a positive role in connecting with our community, culture and in creating memories. Food is meant to be enjoyed and we are big fans of celebrating with it (even buttery/sugary ones from time to time). However, while cultivating a healthy relationship with food, we have to watch out for relying on it (especially sugary treats) for every little reward. 

While it might seem sensible to use “special food” to celebrate special occasions, research shows this can negatively impact our relationship with food. Indulging in unhealthy foods and giving them to kids as rewards sends mixed messages and can lead to overeating, emotional eating and eating without being hungry. So, what should we do instead? 

HERE ARE SOME NON-FOOD TREAT IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS:

Trip to a favorite place like the beach, park, pool, bowling alley or movies

New craft supplies

Listening to favorite music

Reading

Time with a friend or family member

Playing a favorite game

Dance party

Playing a sport

​Movie night at home

LOCAL OPTIONS:

Family Swim, at Riverside Health Club, Mount Vernon

Summit Trampoline Park, Bellingham
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Clear Lake Beach, Mt. Vernon
 
Skagit Wildlife Area, Puget Sound and Islands
 
Farmers Market, Mt. Vernon
 
Children’s Museum, Burlington

Reptile Zoo, Munroe

Fort Casey State Park, Coupeville
 
Historical Museum, La Conner

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​Sources: 
University of Rochester Medical Center
Aston University
USDA
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics