"Mommy, if I do this, can I have a treat?"

There isn't a day that goes by that Gwendolyn doesn't ask for a treat.  She usually asks before she's even had breakfast.  When she started getting "treats" (ie: any consumable that's not good for you) we were diligent about telling her that it was a treat.  We thought it would help her identify healthy items and realize that when she was a listener she would get a reward, often times being a treat.  Now, I'm regretting this approach.

My first problem is that I feel like I've already given her an unhealthy association with food.  It's not fuel for her body necessarily.  She definitely associates good behavior with getting a cookie or etc...  She basically expects that she will get a treat everyday.  Yes, we limit treats in that she doesn't get 5 cookies or a giant bowl of ice cream.  She'll get A cookie because she ate enough "good for you food" first.

My second issue is there is always a reason for a treat!  It may be that we're at a birthday party, it's a holiday, family or friends have come over for a visit, we have gone to someone else's house for a visit, we are traveling....etc....etc....etc  Also, since we unfortunately made it a reward for good behavior and for success with potty training, there isn't a day that goes by she hasn't earned a treat.

We've certainly expanded the definition of a "treat".  It's no longer just consumables.  It's getting the opportunity to watch a show or movie.  She may be able to get a little princess toy at the store checkout.  All of that is great except the damage is done and she wants that ice cream!  Not too mention, getting little toys aren't good for our pocket book or the clutter situation in our house.

My hope going further is to encourage a healthy relationship with food for not only Gwendolyn but for all of us.  Trying to find a good reward system that feels like a reward to the child but still something the adults can handle and be consistent with.