Recently, I stumbled upon an article in the Wall Street Journal titled “Why You Should Pay Your Kids to Eat Their Vegetables.” As a mom to a notoriously picky eater, my initial thought was, “Wow, maybe this could be the solution I’ve been searching for!” The piece references research from the Journal of Health Economics, which involved incentive programs in elementary schools aimed at encouraging children to consume more fruits and vegetables. The study engaged 8,000 students across 40 different schools. If they managed to eat at least one fruit or vegetable during lunch, they earned a 25-cent token redeemable at the school store or other events.
It’s worth noting that kids could choose either fruit or vegetables for their tokens. I can confidently guess that most kids gravitated toward sweeter options like apples or peaches. My own picky eater would undoubtedly opt for fruit, and while fruits are nutritious, the ease of bypassing vegetables raises the question of effectiveness. The researchers assert that their program had a significant impact, with increased fruit and vegetable consumption lasting for up to two months after the incentives were removed.
The study concludes that offering monetary incentives can effectively encourage children to adopt healthier eating habits, citing factors like peer pressure and the exposure to new flavors and textures as reasons for the lasting change. However, I can’t help but wonder what would happen six months down the line. Would these children still be munching on those nutritious options? I suspect the answer would be a resounding no.
While I may sound cynical, my perspective stems from my experience as a parent navigating the challenges of encouraging healthy eating. I don’t believe that simply offering a quarter will ensure that my kids develop a lifelong love for vegetables. Admittedly, I have resorted to bribing my children in certain situations, such as using money or even candy to expedite tasks like putting on shoes. However, when it comes to fostering long-term dietary changes, I know that bribery isn’t the answer.
The goal of the study isn’t to suggest that I should continuously pay my kids to eat their veggies. Instead, it aims to establish a habit that could lead to a natural preference for these foods. But I doubt this newfound love for vegetables will endure as long as the researchers claim. Plus, I’m hesitant to create an association between healthy eating and monetary rewards. I want my kids to understand the importance of nutrition without the incentive of money.
Yes, promoting healthy eating is imperative, and I can’t allow them to subsist on goldfish crackers alone—though they would if given the choice. Introducing cash into the equation sends a confusing message: that there will always be a reward for making nutritious choices, and that my role as a parent revolves around bribery. I’m not comfortable with that notion.
Perhaps these incentive programs may be more effective in a school setting, where rewards are commonplace. Children can compartmentalize their experiences at school and home, and the desire to earn a reward alongside classmates differs from receiving a quarter from a parent for eating “yucky” broccoli.
Despite my struggles, I’ve employed the common household rule: “No dessert until you eat your vegetables.” While this might seem like bribery, it’s a more logical approach—I want them to fill up on nutritious food before indulging in treats. For instance, our desserts are usually simple, like a piece of chocolate or some fruit gummies.
I’m pleased to share that my once-vegetable-averse son, now nearing ten, occasionally requests veggies. While he’ll only eat a handful of options, his desire to consume them is genuine. It may have taken a decade of persistence rather than a quick three-week fix, but I prefer that my son develops a taste for vegetables naturally, rather than through financial incentives.
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In summary, while monetary incentives might create short-term success in getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables, the long-term effectiveness and potential drawbacks of associating healthy eating with financial reward lead me to reject the idea. Instead, I believe in fostering a genuine appreciation for nutritious foods through patience and consistent, logical guidelines.