Don’t Reward With Candy! Shame on You, Des Moines Writers

I’m apalled and saddened by the ignorant stance recently taken by my journalistic colleagues over at the Des Moines Register, who lamented the fact that their new junk food ban means that teachers can’t give candy or other unhealthful foods and beverages "as rewards for academic performance or good behavior."

Yes, apparently the editorial board of the newspaper finds fault with the fact that teachers can’t dole out sweets any more.

You’ve got to be kidding!

Seriously, folks, the editorial board took precious newspaper space to lament this development.

What more, they stupidly, in my humble opinion, attempted to bolster their argument that it’s OK to give kids candy as a reward by comparing the calorie count of a small Tootsie Roll to that of an apple–a suggestion made by enlightened Des Moines School Board member Marc Ward.

Talk about ridiculous. You simply cannot compare the value of a nutrition-lacking piece of candy with a nutrient-filled piece of fruit–even if the candy has a few less calories.

Just listen to this uninformed writing–perhaps better described as complaining:

"No more Jolly Ranchers for the students who spell all the words correctly on their spelling tests?

"No more cookies from the teacher when everyone turns in their homework on time?

"No more Friday Fun Facts at Hoover High School? (The school principal asks questions over the intercom, and the homeroom that responds with the answers first gets doughnuts and juice for breakfast Monday.)"

You see, too many people—journalists and experts alike—tend to focus only on the fact that sugar consumption can lead to weight gain. But that’s only a very, very small piece of the story.

Now, granted, one little piece of candy might not lead to obesity, but regularly using candy as a reward —day in, day out—can pave the way for some bad habits and patterns later in life—and those sugar habits could later lead to obesity or sugar addiction or other health dangers.

Let me explain. Let’s say a child is used to nutritionless "goodies" every time he’s good or does something smart. Well, don’t you think there’s a good chance the youngster will continue that pattern into adulthood and start rewarding himself or herself often? I’m telling you: I’ve heard this happen.

n’Indeed, on a number of occasions, struggling sugar addicts have often bemoaned in my free, online KickSugar group that their parents or teachers used candy as a way to give love or attention.

As they grew up, they became hooked or "addicted" to sweets—a habit they’re now trying hard to break.

Moreover, the idea of using candy to reward is a bad one. Rather, why not applaud kids in other more creative ways? I remember when I was in grammar school if I won a spelling bee (which I did often), I’d get a little gold star, which the teacher put on my clothes. (I’m telling you–I loved those rewards! Just thinking about it brings me good feelings!)

So why don’t the Des Moines schools come up with some other, more creative ways to reward a child for good behavior or excellent academic performance.

Incidentally, I’m surprised that these kinds of rewards are going on in the state of Iowa, with U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin so opposed to junk food.

Here’s info about the junk food ban.