Sugar at School

Dear K.,
No offense, but you should make a list and think about what it is you are actually asking of the school director before speaking to her again.
Are you asking for your own dietary restrictions for your own child to be followed?
Are you asking that their stance on allowing any sugar whatsoever be changed?
Are you asking them to enforce limits based on what you believe to be appropriate?
Were you just stating an opinion or were you asking to implement change?
What specific changes are you asking/expecting to be implemented?
How do you expect the school to go about implementing the changes you propose?
How much time/energy/expense are you willing to donate to assist in fostering these changes?
Are you certain that all the other parents feel the same way you do and will ask/expect the changes you feel are necessary?
Are you prepared to define necessary when it pertains to other children?
Are you prepared to remove your child if the school does not change things according to your input or expectations?

Ask yourself these questions and then answer them honestly.

One year, in my daughter's class, there was a parent who put her foot down about any sugar being allowed. The teacher took it and ran with it. ONLY healthy snacks were allowed. Fine. However, that turned into the mom not liking cheese being allowed because dairy is bad, not liking fruit muffins, homemade zucchini or banana bread because flour is bad or it contained eggs, not wanting anything baked with honey instead of sugar, not wanting strawberries because some kid MIGHT be allergic and even orange slices COULD cause a canquer sore.
That mom and teacher pretty much had parents after them like villagers with pitchforks and that's not really much of an exaggeration. At first the principal said that every class does things differently and it's the teacher's discression. Well, when everybody except one parent wanted their kid moved to a different class, the logistics of that became a problem and he had to put a stop to all the food banning. It had gotten way out of hand. If a parent doesn't want their child exposed to something, it doesn't mean other children can't be.

You're upset about a fruit loop necklace? Really?
You're upset about your kid bringing home cookies as opposed to eating them in class? Really?
My kids never ate all the stuff they got as far as cookies or special cupcakes. They brought them home to show me and share. It really can be about the fun of the activity without it meaning the school will be turning your child into a sugar maniac.
One of my son's best friends was raised Jehovah Witness. He has always been excused from school for anything having anything to do with a "worldly" celebration or observance. His parents take him out that day.
You have that option as well.
If you want things made out of pretzels, buy the pretzels and ask if it's okay for you to be there one day to help out.

Again, ask yourself the questions first. Do you want things changed for your child only, or for everyone else as well. Are there compromises and what will you do if others don't see it the way you do? If you teach your child that sugar is bad and you tell the school she can't have any, your child needs to know that's where you stand. Put her on a list saying she can't have anything at school with sugar, but don't expect everone else to limit their children according to you. You might have some great tips that they appreciate. But it also could backfire if you make too much of it.
I've seen that happen and it wasn't pretty.

Best of luck.

2 moms found this helpful

I kinda think that you are over reacting....that the teacher sent the cookies home shows that she is being respectful and letting you choose how many and when she will get the cookies. As far as the fruit loop necklace, I know when my kids made that kind of thing it was few and far between, and they wanted to show it to me so they didn't eat them....and when we got home I would tell them that they could eat 5 loops off their necklace....it's not really that big of a deal. I would imagine that they do limit how many sweets your kids are getting when they do have parties or special occasions. There is going to be sugar everywhere you go, there is no getting away from it.

2 moms found this helpful

Hi K.- Welcome to the big wide sugary world! It only seems to get worse as they get older. Our Charter school is pretty good about serving healthy snacks for projects and in class stuff but there is no policy for class parties and birthday celebrations. My girls are in 2nd and 6th. The little one is offered treats quite a bit. With 22 kids in the class celebrating b-days and holiday parties it works out to a lot of food I never would offer her myself. While I don't like it I cannot really control it and it pales in comparison to the food freedom they have as they get older! I just try to counter it with less sugar at home. If you really look at what she's eating at home you can reduce sugar in her diet there. "Juice" drinks, yogurt, snack foods even some breads have a lot of high fructose corn syrup and other sugars. If you limit it where you can the sugar at school won't be over the top. While I agree the school should be more focused on nutrition be careful about making too big a deal out of it. Before you know it your concern will be labeled as controlling and your daughter may suffer, sad but true. Other than "suggestions" I would just focus on great nutrition at home and talking to your daughter about not over indulging. This is the beginning of your loss of control over the details of your daughters life. Blink and she'll be in middle school walking to the store with her friends and $5 in her pocket and believe me the last thing you'll be worried about then is sugar! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

its your prerogative as the parent to say what your child can and can not eat. You need to sit down with the director and talk to her about what can be done between you, your child, and the school. Most places will/should have healthy alternatives that your daughter can choose from. I know that as a former teacher (and before our school had a no food policy) some parents would send in healthy alternatives that I kept in a container for moments like this. With all of the food allergies out there I am surprised to see that your school is still handing out "treats" to the kids!
You should sit with her and just openly discuss how you feel it isn't good for your daughter but how much you love her (the teacher), the program, the staff etc. so she isn't just focusing on the negative criticism (she might think) on the food/treats! You might also get your pediatrician to write a letter stating that your daughter needs to be cautious about food exposure, etc. Other parents in your school might also feel this way - have you talked with any of them? Good luck!

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Most centers I've worked in allow treats for birthday celebrations and such, but avoid sugary treats being provided by the school or teachers. If these are being provided occasionally (say even once a week) I wouldn't worry too much. If they are on a daily basis, I think I would talk with the teacher. Perhaps you can ask that your daughter be limited to just one cookie or treat each time. It wouldn't do to request that she not be given any, as that would be more like a punishment for your daughter. As far as the Fruit Loops/Cheerios necklaces are concerned: that is a great small motor activity for the children. Your daughter is going to most likely choose the Fruit Loops because they are colorful and Cheerios aren't. I believe there may be a cereal that is colorful but not as sugary as Fruit Loops. If you can find something like that, perhaps you could purchase a box of those and donate to her class for the project. I don't think I'd actually be too concerned about the sugar in the Fruit Loops though. Another thought is that if you feel she's getting an abundant amount of sugar at school, you may simply have to cut more of it out at home than you normally would in order to balance it out. Unless there are other issues with the school, it isn't worth pulling her out, or having a bad relationship develop between you and the teachers over a sugar issue.

1 mom found this helpful

HI K.!
Both the prek and elementary schools my kids attend outlaw sugar. But the reason they give is 1. crowd control and 2. doing their part to prevent health problems like diabetes (both kinds have been found in kids now!!!)
If you approach the director out of class for a scheduled appointment and give her reasons like health and teaching sound nutrition, even go to your pedi and get info to give her... We have to teach our kids to make the right choices... and putting sugar in front of them, they'll choose instant gratification every time... they're 5! They don't know better!!! We have to set the example... and what kind of example is the teacher setting? And how does your daughter act when she comes home on a sugar high??????
Good luck... it's a big issue!

My point-of-view seems different from the rest, so far.

In today's world, we're LUCKY to find a place where our minds can be "relaxed" during the day because we know our children are being well taken care of at "school". We may not always agree with their routines, and food choices, however, like life....we have to accept the good with the bad.

If they are a licensed pre-school in California, then they have food guidelines to follow daily. Allowing Froot Loops is probably just fine, as long as they are providing the remaing food groups, as they're supposed to. Because of the guidelines, I wouldn't worry too much about the Froot Loops because I'm sure your daughter is getting everything she needs "food-wise".

The only way to insure that your daughter is completely sugar-free, would be to keep her at home with you until she goes to school. But even then, you will have this issue, because of the parties. BUT.....your daughter could end up like my youngest son.....he doesn't like most sugary items (cupcakes, etc...). So, his choice is usually "no thank you" when there are parties at school.

In the end, I wouldn't give your pre-school too much grief. If they are taking good care of your daughter for you, then the Froot Loops are minor. However, if you are unhappy with their care, then I would switch to another place to ease your mind.....but, you'll find sugar everywhere in reality :O)

~N.

I TOTALLY SUPPORT YOU!
how dare they make those kinds of choices for your children? sugar is a drug, especially the refined stuff, and ESPECIALLY for the little ones! i don't really have any advice, but if i were you i'd tell them not to give my kid any refined sugar. period. there are SO many treats out there with no unrefined sugar. at halloween time i bring my own candy for them to give my 2.5 year old daughter. she deals with it, and so do they. do whatchu gotta do, mom. YOU are in charge - they work for YOU, not the other way around.
peace and good luck!

How about suggesting cheerio-fruitloop-cheerio? As for the cookies, have her bring them home and then ration them and use the opportunity to teach sharing with the family.

In life I was taught to pick my battles, in relationships and in choices for all things. I myself have A.D.D so I try to provide the healthiest of foods to my daughter and limit her junk food choices and mostly sugar. At my house her sugar options are either a Pedialyte popsicle, strawberries or raspberries (she loves them all). I don't feed my daughter processed foods, she eats whole grains, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, quinoa, fresh meats and limited dairy. Occasionally I'll have cake or ice cream and she can have a bite of mine because I see how excited she gets. AT daycare, my provider loves her so much i couldn't ask for more. I am not stoked to hear she gets "Hamburger helper" or Mac N cheese but that is on occasion. I don't choose to pick that battle and tell her not to feed my daughter these things because though I don't serve them in my home i know my daughter is happy and loved there. That's all I can ask for. I Hope this helps.

Ask the teacher to let you know in advance when there will be an activity involving food and then provide acceptable alternatives. Stipulate that you will be providing all food handled by your child. This is often done for children with allergies (like mine) so it's not an outlandish request. It does need to be all or nothing though. Have birthday treat alternatives in a ziploc in the school freezer so they can pull them out for celebrations. These practices have made my boys' attendance in preschool and kindergarten much more worry-free for me... hope they help you as well!

I am with you there K.. I find it ironic that the schools are so hyped up about peanuts and "proper" lunches yet seem to turn a blind eye to all the junk. I would hate to have a diabetic child! I have mentioned this to our teachers but they say they don't have much control over what parents bring for treats/birthdays. I think it is a bit much to make a pre-k/kindergardener chose a healthier food over a yummy one, that teacher isn't being very logical! Ask the teacher to place a limit one treats (one per kid) this is a reasonable request.

Hi K.,

I agree with you. Our children are offered sugar way too often, especially at school. I totally understand your concern. I had this same problem with a preschool that my son was attending. I did a lot of research on the internet about childhood obesity and diabetes. I printed all of that information and wrote a nice letter to the director of the school asking them to rethink their food choices. I think that helped. So I would encourage you to do your research and give them a well thought out and logic solution in a non-confrontational way. Along those lines, I just saw a youtube video that addresses the dangers of giving sugar to our kids. It's a lecture by Dr. Lustig who is a professor of pediatrics at UCSF. The entire lecture is 90 minutes and it is broken into 9 ten minute segments. I would encourage you to watch it. I know you are very busy, so you could watch one or two segments a day. Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+hazards+o.... I hope this helps and good luck!

I struggle with this, too. Mamas, please know that if a parent is trying to avoid sugar for health reasons (challenged teeth, diabetes, behavior challenges, etc. etc. etc.), it can feel like people are pushing sugar toward your child every day. I'd say at least 5 times a week, someone is presenting sugar to my son....at the children's hair salon, at the vet's office, at school events, at cub scouts, at neighbors' houses...on and on and on. If there is anything you can do to contribute less to the push, it would be so appreciated by so many of us!

No child can avoid it, and very few parents are asking for zero sugar. But we could, as a caring community, offer some kind support to the mamas who are speaking up.

Best wishes to all.

Hi K.
The director is a not being realistic telling you that your daughter needs to make better choices next time. Adults don't make the best choices for themselve when faced with a donut or a piece of fruit. Asking a pre schooler to make that choice is the directors way of avoiding dealing with the issue. I would bring it up again and suggest that treats be limited to once a week or that you could offer to bring in a healthy snack once a week.

There will most likely be other parents who feel the same way you do about the sugar and perhaps having two families bring this up to the director would prompt some action.

I agree with you! That would drive me crazy. I would talk to the director of the school and consider changing schools if you don't have good feedback. It is crazy for little ones to be eating that much junk. I am not a sugar-free mamma either, but little ones can only eat so much in one day and I want what they eat to be good for them! Also, asking a three year old to make a better choice between cheerios and fruit loops is completely ridiculous!

I too didn't want my kids eating badly at preschool. I talked alot to my kids so they new what I didn't want them eating and why, so they could help make better choices. I also spoke individualy with the teachers and explained. I also made fun t-shirts for my kids with fluorescent squeeze paints on a black shirt. My daughter's said
Zoe
No Meat
No Milk (or cheese)
No Sugar
I had her wear it once a week as a reminder to the teachers and helpers. It helped a lot. Other parents liked it and wanted one. My daughter thought her name was no sugar after awhile since that was the last thing she would hear everytime someone read her shirt.

Hi agree
it's too much sugar... on the other hand, school isn't the only place where kids will have to learn to make good choices. My son brings his lunch each day and in it, I don't pack sugar or other things I consider junk.. BUT, he does have classmates who do bring "treats" in their lunch and other items I won't allow him to eat. However, I just keep trying to teach him, you have a choice, so choose wisely. Sometimes he does choose the junkier item, but often he chooses the good stuff. for example he loves water.. as oppose to fruit drinks which in my opinion are nothing but processed fructose and water.. anyway, I don't think it's nec a good idea to have your child (at such a young age) go to school wearing their food politics on their shirts.. so you don't eat meat or cheese... then don't.. same with sugar.. you don't eat it, well it's truly up to the parents to teach their kids NOT to eat certain foods.. the rest of the world is going to do what it wants... Actually, when they are young, it's the best time to teach good habits.. this might seem challenging, but well that's life. While my son does partake in a few foods I would rather him not, on the other hand, I thankful he doesn't like fruit juice or even milk. as mentioned, he LOVES water.. things have a way of wking out. teach your kids good habits and they will eventually stick... (without sugar) :)
good luck

A private school can do whatever it wants, I think..so if you don't like their attitude, you can change schools.
As an aide in a public elementary school for several years, it was a peeve of mine that there were so many "parties" during school hours, wasting too much time, and costing too much money. I'm all for teaching cultural traditions and celebrating life, but toys and cupcakes are not education, and not necessary for kids to have fun.
There are changing restrictions in public schools now--much less sugar allowed.
As a parent, though, I'd say try not to worry to much...your child is only in school for a limited time each day, and you have control over all the rest of the food intake, so your child will remain healthy.