Every parent knows that there are times when it is important either to reward good behavior or to offer a bribe in return for some form of cooperation.

Candy might seem like the most suitable reward, as it is always appreciated by children. However, you may feel that to give candy routinely as a reward undermines the consistency of your approach to candy-eating in general. There is no hard and fast rule on this, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t occasionally reward your child with candy as long as you make it clear that it is a onetime gift.

It’s worth making an effort, though, to devise other forms of reward: a favorite yogurt flavor, a small toy or a new box of crayons, or a specially extended bath time or bedtime story.

I don’t believe in placing a total ban on candy, because this can encourage children to be obsessive.

I do believe in rationing candy, though, and this always worked with my own children. If you let your child have one piece of candy after lunch and one after supper, and encourage him to brush his teeth afterward, you will be encouraging self-control, good eating habits, and good oral hygiene.