Parenting experts warn against using food as punishment

Psychologists and international health organizations warn against using food as a tool for punishment or reward in parenting. While some parents use tactics such as forcing children to finish their meals or withholding favorite foods to teach appreciation, experts suggest these methods may be counterproductive.

According to UNICEF, using food as a reward or punishment can lead to unhealthy relationships with nutrition. Similarly, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against forcing children to eat or using food as a disciplinary measure, noting that such pressure can increase a child's aversion to certain foods.