How to Nicely Tell Daycare to Stop Feeding My Child JUNK?!

You just need to talk to your provider...its a simple as that.

I am a licensed provider...and in response to others who posted...No, we are not restricted to what can or can't serve the children. There are not any set in stone rules, licensing or otherwise (here in MN) that restrict us from serving cookies or candy for a snack or treat....but we do have criteria if we claim them for that meal on the Food Program. Candy does not qualify...but cookies do a few times a week..there are limits, they won't qualify for an every day snack....but as I said, if you do not claim that snack or meal...there is no specific criteria that must be follow. However, common sense should prevail..for me it would anyways.

I don't have a problem with, and I do, serve cookies or treats on occasion...a few times a month or for holidays/parties, etc.....but mostly here...a snack is crackers and milk (fishys, ritz, cheese its, etc)...if parents have concerns about it I would hope they would ask and discuss their concerns with me. This is my advice to you....talk to your provider.....tell her your concerns

Linda,
I am a licensed child care provider and am really shocked that another provider would serve candy and cookies on a regluar basis! The kids end up being wild and hyper, which is not a good thing!! Not to mention how unhealthy it is. If she is licensed and on a food program, she needs to follow certain criteria as far as what foods she serves, and candy and cookies don't count! I just don't understand why should would want to serve them. Not only all the sugar, but treats are more expensive them better alternatives.

Anyways, you need to say something. I would just let her know that you don't want your child being served treats like that, period. But start out with saying some good things about the daycare - how your dd loves going there and you feel so comfortable with her that you feel you can talk to her about an issue that is bothering you and not offend her. Just be honest, she should understand. If she is a good provider, she will not feel any differently about your child, nor treat her any differently after your conversation.

Good luck!
S.
mom of 3 and licensed family child care provider

Is your provider licenced, because I don't think those are approved foods for licenced providers.

I wouldn't worry about being nice. I'd just say..we don't do candy or sweets for snacks. She only gets them on special occasions. We are trying to limit her sugars.

If she has a problem with that, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Even if you do like her. I haven't confronted day care about it as I know we're on the same page as each other in relation to snacks and sugars...but I have had to have the conversation with my MIL.

If you end up having to bring your own snacks, I would ask for a discount in your rates, because your rates were originally including her providing food and snacks.

When my daughter was about 15 months, she went to an in home daycare that gave snacks like that. I knew this before I brought her there, and like you, wanted my daughter to have healthy snacks. So every day I packed snacks for my daughter and told the woman that is all i wanted her to eat at snack time. She totally respected my wishes. I think the weird thing in your situation is that you didn't know that snacks would be candy and cookies!

So, my advice is to just straight out tell her your wishes. And offer to bring your own snacks. It's tough, because as you now know, once a kid has the "candy-bug" you can't go back.

Good Luck!