Yesterday when I went to pick up my daughter from Kindergarten she had chocolate around her lips.  When I asked her what she had eaten she told me it was a chocolate rice treat that was given during snack time.  I was a bit perplexed and asked her if it was for a birthday party.  She told me no.  I saw the list of snacks (to be provided by parents) and I did not remember seeing rice crispy treats on the list.

Needless to say, I wrote an email to her teacher later that evening.  I inquired about the snack and why it was given to the students.  I really felt like the annoying parent, especially when she replied that it was a rice cake.  So, a parent was asked to bring in rice cakes and they decided to bring in the chocolate version?

I’m sorry, but I don’t understand parents who insist on bringing extra sugar into the schools.  When I was a Kindergarten teacher I was always annoyed when parents brought in those huge, frosting loaded cupcakes for their child’s birthday.  Not only did I have to deal with the mess, but I had to deal with the sugar-high students that blossomed shortly afterwards.  It is most upsetting because the other parents of the other children have no say at that point.  At least at a birthday party they can regulate sugar consumption.  Save the cupcakes for the parties!!

You know what?  I don’t care if I am the annoying parent who gets ostracized from the rest of the group.  I wasn’t meant to be a room mom anyway.  I am not trying to say that I am a very strict parent and don’t let my children eat sweets… I just like to be the one to regulate it!  It is great if they learn healthy habits at home, but then it is reversed when they go to school.  That just leaves them confused and more prone to peer pressure.  And who needs peer pressure that revolves around food?  We have enough issues with peer pressure in other areas.  My oldest daughter wonders why her friends drink soda when I won’t let her touch the stuff.

It just makes my job even more difficult.  I enjoy baking at home and I try to teach my children that it is better to know the ingredients that are in your treats and to try alternatives to make them healthier.  I encourage my children to explore tasting new foods like kale, quinoa, almond milk and tofu.  My oldest daughter understands the difference between healthy food and unhealthy food, but will she always make the right choice?  Not when the junk food tastes so good.  I have my own battles with food.  Can you imagine how difficult it is for a kid?

Well, I can tell the teacher not to give my daughter any snacks.  Then my daughter will feel left out and she is quite the emotional child so that probably won’t go over well.   My children will always come first, but it is hard when either decision will affect them negatively.  Sometimes I think I am the only one who feels this way.  I will admit that my children don’t always eat healthy at home, but I sure as heck try to keep them on the right track.