Teachers, what do you think?

My Grandson's teacher will permit only healthy
birthday treats for the class. My Grandson decided not to take anything, because he can't take cupcakes, or a traditional birthday treat. What say you? Mary MOB

Ideas of healthy'birthday' treats? In other words, no carrot sticks, but something special?

I think its important to promote healthy eating -as a teacher ive seen kids come in with bags of chips as their lunch.

My school allows cakes and cupckaes but i see nothing wrong with encouraging healthier choices. Parents can bring in fruit salads, granola bars, maybe even apples and dip, there are many things they can do - maybe even pizza (though its not the healthiest food - its not JUNK)

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Posted by jgl

I think its important to promote healthy eating -as a teacher ive seen kids come in with bags of chips as their lunch.

My school allows cakes and cupckaes but i see nothing wrong with encouraging healthier choices. Parents can bring in fruit salads, granola bars, maybe even apples and dip, there are many things they can do - maybe even pizza (though its not the healthiest food - its not JUNK)

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You read my mind! Thanks! I'll pass your suggestions on to my Daughter, and Grandson. Mary MOB

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Posted by SugaBeans

honestly this is a big issue right now all over!!! a woman i work with said he sons school cant have any birthday treats unless they are HEALTHY! come on, like a cupcake is going to cause obesity. no, it;s all the junk that that they eat on a regular basis and the lack of activity they have. GRRRR sorry but this gets me so mad!

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i understand what you are saying - and i too think that it is sad that its come down to not having cupcakes or cake for ab-day but when you are a teacher and you see what kids bring in to eat - it would make you sick! Parents send them in with C R A P to eat for lunch., Like i said i've seen so many students who are just given chips for lunch, or cakes - just JUNK!!

Its not only obesity.. i've seen kindergarteners with their teeth rotting! its gross!

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Posted by JACK808

I am all for encouraging healthy snacks for snacktime and lunchtime in general. You would be amazed by the amount of processed food sent in with my students - full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, not to mention sugar. I do, however, believe that special treats should be allowed for birthdays and special occassions.

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Thats my thoughts too..c'mon now..its a KIDS BIRTHDAY..give them some cake!!! It's a way to celebrate!

I think they should be allowed cupcakes....I'd ask the child, 'What do YOU want to bring in for your birthday?' and if he wants cupcakes, give him cupcakes! It's his birthday after all! I'd look in that kid's lunchbox everyday to see if he's always eating healthy....I doubt it!

Another thing, why weren't they worried about the obesity of children back in the mid-80's when I was in Elementary School? Noone complained then.....maybe they just didn't care? lol

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Posted by MrsDtoBe

I think they should be allowed cupcakes....I'd ask the child, 'What do YOU want to bring in for your birthday?' and if he wants cupcakes, give him cupcakes! It's his birthday after all! I'd look in that kid's lunchbox everyday to see if he's always eating healthy....I doubt it!

Another thing, why weren't they worried about the obesity of children back in the mid-80's when I was in Elementary School? Noone complained then.....maybe they just didn't care? lol

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Good morning, Kristina!!! I appreciate that early morning post!! Have a great day!! Thanks!! Mary MOB

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Posted by MrsDtoBe

I think they should be allowed cupcakes....I'd ask the child, 'What do YOU want to bring in for your birthday?' and if he wants cupcakes, give him cupcakes! It's his birthday after all! I'd look in that kid's lunchbox everyday to see if he's always eating healthy....I doubt it!

Another thing, why weren't they worried about the obesity of children back in the mid-80's when I was in Elementary School? Noone complained then.....maybe they just didn't care? lol

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First, think about how much more active kids were when you were in school. And think about how often you see kids outside in your neighboorhood playing - probably almost never. So there is where the concern comes in. And childhood obesity was not as much of a problem in the 80's, so no one really needed to make it an issue.

Walk into an elementary school today and you'll see that more than half a class is overweight - I don't mean obese, but at the least a little overweight. That's why it's slowly becoming mandated that children eat healthy snacks at school, and they should also learn WHY they should healthy snacks - for fueling the body to help them learn, where as sugar does the opposite.

Getting back to the question. YOu would be shocked at how much kids LOVE a fruit tray! It actually seems to be mroe of a treat for them because it's something they rarely have. I would suggest a tray over fruit salad just because a lot of kids are picky and when just give them it all mixed up a lot goes to weight.

Sorry this is so long, I just happened to specialize in childrens fitness and this is my thing lol

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Posted by JACK808

I am all for encouraging healthy snacks for snacktime and lunchtime in general. You would be amazed by the amount of processed food sent in with my students - full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, not to mention sugar. I do, however, believe that special treats should be allowed for birthdays and special occassions.

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I definitely agree with this because all children need to eat healthier, but come on they can have a treat for a birthday. Otherwise they are going to the other extreme with no middle ground. Everything should be done in moderation.

That stinks.... I agree that there should be an exception for a birthday.

What about 100 calorie snack packs?

Or, I believe entenmanns (sp?) makes 100 calorie brownie bites.... maybe those?

100 cal packs would be a great idea, but 'Dr.' Teacher, no disrespect intended, is a bit intimidating; I think she would probably give Shaun the 'hairy eyeball' if he brought any kind of cake in! I don't want Shaun to get on her bad side.
I defintely agree with healthy eating, but I thought a birthday treat could be an exception, and in the past, I only took in mini cupcakes. I appreciate all the responses; I just was curious what others, especially teachers, thought about this line of reasoning. Thanks, everyone! Mary MOB

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Posted by nmagel

what about mini muffins and grapes? still healthier than cupcakes.

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That's a great idea too! Mary