I don't think the cupcake is the issue, it's the rewarding with sweet, fake food......
It is important to teach kids to make good choices with food. In the US, food has become pumped up with so much crap, it is hardly what it started out as. It is sold as healthy and good for you.
the cupcake isn't the issue, it is what is IN the cupcake and how much sugar and colorings are in it.....I have showed my kids that you can make any desert with half the amount of sugar and you can't tell the difference! Dark chocolate has MUCH less sugar, skip the milk chocolate. Scoop half the frosting off.
I usually use the 'store bought cupcake' or the 'party chicken nuggets' as an experiment. My kids don't like the taste and say it tastes like wired chemicals are in it. My daughter is 7 and hates store frosting. She says the sugar blast gives her a headache.
i live at work, then at the gym, then in the kitchen. I try my best to make everything from scratch (not always successfully).
i MAKE my kids eat their veggies, no soda, limit fat, they help me cook.....the occasional 'crap' can be used as a bonus.....i also have a problem rewarding with food. I do it, and have to stop...
i will reward with a good book? Or perhaps a trip to the park? We will see how that goes !!!