Click here for more articles by Beth Bruno . I m writing to ask your opinion about a senseless practice in my niece s school, namely using candy as a reward for doing homework, reading books or going to the library. When she objected to it at a school forum, she was surprised that parents and teachers thought her objections were offensive and petty. It doesn't t seem that way to me. I agree with my sister that candy rots teeth, lacks nutritional value and can lead to weight problems.
Sugar can also boost hyperactivity.
Rewarding children with candy can even lead to bad habits in adulthood. I m not enthusiastic about candy rewards either, for the reasons you mention. When teachers use tangible rewards like food, stickers or trinkets, they run the risk that students will want bigger and better rewards in exchange for compliance. When using such rewards to shape the behavior of young children, it s advisable to switch to intrinsic rewards as early as possible. Mastery is usually reward enough, along with peer and teacher recognition for it.