Recently, I stumbled upon an article in the Wall Street Journal titled “Here’s Why You Should Pay Your Kids to Eat Their Vegetables.” As a parent of a notoriously picky eater, my initial thought was, “Wow, maybe this is the solution I’ve been searching for!” The article references a study from the Journal of Health Economics, which investigated incentive programs in elementary schools aimed at encouraging kids to consume more fruits and vegetables. The program included 8,000 children from 40 schools, and those who ate at least one fruit or vegetable at lunch earned a 25-cent token redeemable at the school store, carnivals, or book fairs.
It’s interesting to note that kids could choose either a fruit or a vegetable to earn their token. I’d wager that many kids gravitated toward sweet choices like apples or peaches. While fruit is nutritious, if vegetables are easily bypassed, what’s the benefit? The researchers claimed their initiative was successful—not just for the short duration of the program but that it actually led to a sustained increase in fruit and vegetable consumption for up to two months after the incentives were removed.
This research suggests that offering monetary rewards can effectively encourage healthier eating habits. The researchers propose that factors like positive peer influence and the simple act of trying fruits and vegetables can alter a child’s taste preferences, making them more likely to crave these foods over time.
Long-Term Effects of Incentivizing
Sure, two months of sustained change sounds promising. However, I’d love to see how these kids are eating six months or a year later. My hunch is that the enthusiasm for veggies wouldn’t last. I might sound cynical, but I’m simply a realistic parent—especially about the challenges of encouraging kids to eat healthily. I don’t believe it’s as straightforward as handing over a quarter and expecting a lifelong love for vegetables to blossom.
I do admit that I sometimes use bribes to motivate my children, offering money or even candy (gasp!) when I need them to do something quickly, like getting dressed in the morning. However, when it comes to fostering long-lasting habits, I don’t think bribery is the answer. While the study suggests that incentivizing can establish a habit, I have reservations. I don’t want my kids to learn that healthy eating equates to financial rewards, particularly when that model isn’t sustainable in the long run.
The School Environment
It’s likely that incentive programs work better in school settings, where such systems are already commonplace. Kids can easily differentiate between the reward dynamics at school and home; they might not view a quarter from their parents for eating “yucky” broccoli in the same light as a reward from classmates.
Our Family Rule
Despite my challenges with feeding my kids nutritious foods, I’ve established a simple rule in our home: “No dessert unless you eat your vegetables.” While it might sound like bribery, it feels more logical—one must fill up on good food before indulging in treats. And those treats are usually uncomplicated, like a piece of chocolate or some fruit gummies.
I’m pleased to report that now, at nearly 10 years old, my vegetable-averse child occasionally requests veggies! Sure, he has a limited selection, but it’s a genuine desire to eat them. It may have taken a decade, rather than a quick three weeks, to reach this point, but I’d much prefer that he grows to appreciate vegetables on his own rather than through monetary incentives.
Further Reading
For more insights on parenting and healthy habits, check out our other blog posts, like this one on home insemination. If you’re seeking expert advice on fertility, Make A Mom is a great authority on the subject, and for comprehensive information on pregnancy, the Johns Hopkins Fertility Center is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
To sum up, while incentivizing children to eat vegetables might yield short-term results, I believe fostering a natural appreciation for healthy foods is a far more valuable approach in the long run.