Note: You are currently logged into www.TipsForCFParents.com under
"Food Issues and Picky Eaters"

Click here to read "Behavioral Aspects of Nutrition in Children with CF" (a pdf file). 

This is a very helpful and informative article about how to deal with food battles with a child who has CF. It's written by Lori J. Stark, PhD, ABPP; Professor of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine; and Director of the Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology,Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. 

Lisa says: "This article is very well written, practical and right on! The only thing I don't agree with is about the use of rewards. Rewards can turn into bribes if we are not careful. At some point, we want our kids with CF to eat properly and take good care of themselves because it's best for them and their own lives and not just to get an external reward. So for older children, be careful with rewards.

However, for younger children and/or to start good health habits, rewards can be very effective. Just be sure to have a good "exit plan" at some point.  Here's how you can tell if rewards have turned into bribes: 

• if your child won't eat well without the reward
• if he or he demands the reward
• if he or she comes to need the reward
• if you, as a parent, feel like you are being held "hostage" to the reward    

Something to think about: what will happen when you aren't there with a reward in hand either at school or when they turn 18?  We want our kids to make good decisions even when we are not around. So: use rewards only for a short time and taper off as good eating habits are developed."
Happy Parenting!