Rewards are a powerful way to motivate kids and reinforce positive mealtime habits. With Foodzee, families can make eating not just fun, but also rewarding. Below are 15 creative reward ideas that balance fun activities, family bonding, and healthy habits.
1. Extra Playground Time
After dinner, let kids earn 15–20 minutes of extra outdoor play at the park or backyard. Physical activity keeps energy levels balanced and creates a positive connection with completing meals.
2. Choose the Family Game
Kids can pick the board game or card game for family game night. This gives them decision-making power and adds anticipation to mealtime.
3. Screen Time Bonus
Offer 15–20 extra minutes of screen time for kids who engage well with Foodzee. Research shows limited, controlled screen time can be motivating without becoming unhealthy (American Academy of Pediatrics).
4. Special Healthy Dessert
Let kids enjoy a small portion of a healthy dessert, like yogurt parfait with fruit or homemade banana ice cream. It balances indulgence while reinforcing healthy food choices.
5. Bedtime Story Pick
Younger children can choose the bedtime story for the night. This creates excitement around finishing meals and ties food rewards to family bonding.
6. Family Walk or Bike Ride
Make mealtime success the ticket to a family walk, bike ride, or scooter session. This adds physical activity and family connection to the reward system.
7. Choose Dinner Tomorrow Night
Allow the child to help plan or choose tomorrow’s dinner (within healthy options). Kids love autonomy and will be more likely to try foods they helped select.
8. Foodzee Sticker Chart
Create a progress chart where every successful Foodzee game adds a sticker. After 5–7 stickers, kids can “cash in” for a bigger prize like a movie night.
9. Kitchen Helper Privileges
Children who complete their bites get to be the “head chef’s helper” during the next meal prep. This builds responsibility while making food fun and approachable.
10. Music DJ Time
Kids can choose the playlist or songs for the next family meal. Music rewards are simple, free, and tie directly into the dining experience.
11. Extra Playtime with a Parent
Offer 10–15 minutes of one-on-one playtime (Legos, dolls, building, etc.) with a parent. Quality time is one of the strongest non-material rewards for kids.
12. Family Movie Night Pick
Let kids choose the family movie when they consistently succeed with Foodzee for a few days. Combine with popcorn or a healthy snack to make it special.
13. Fun Outing Choice
After a week of strong Foodzee play, reward kids with choosing a fun outing like mini-golf, bowling, or visiting a new park. Bigger goals deserve bigger rewards.
14. Earn “Foodzee Coins”
Create a homemade token system where every Foodzee success earns a “coin” that can be saved up for privileges like baking together or picking a weekend activity.
15. Stay Up a Bit Later
As an occasional reward, let children stay up 15–20 minutes later on the weekend. Extra time feels special without creating a habit of late nights.
References:
American Academy of Pediatrics: Media and Children Communication Toolkit
Ellyn Satter Institute: Division of Responsibility in Feeding
