Candy in the classroom

[realfoodmom]

My daughter just started kindergarten and I have discovered through her preschool, summer school, and now kindergarten class that it is a common and acceptable practice to give students candy EVERY DAY. I am so frustrated by this! Her preschool teacher was excited to tell me at the end of last year that she had been working with my daughter and now she eats the sugary, processed foods at snack time that she didn't like before. Her summer school teacher gave them all kinds of candy every day and now in Kindergarten, her teacher gives her skittles every day for being good! My children do not have food sensitivities or allergies, so this is more about my outrage that schools are STILL giving kids chemicals, food dyes, and processed sugars even though they are harmful and serve no purpose. Has anyone else dealt with this issue with their child? What did you do? What can we do as a community?

[GinaD]

Hello, and good for you for being outraged. I am glad you posted this, because my daughter is about to start preschool in a few months, and I have been thinking about this topic. Fortunately for us, we chose a school that serves only organic meals, however, I know that they serve a snack as well, and I haven't clarified what this means. Organic sugar is still sugar, and I don't want my daughter eating sugar every day. I will be having a conversation with her teachers before we start, and my plan is to let them know that she can have the snack that I pack, and certain foods within my parameters.
The worst part about this topic is that we even need to say it! Why isn't it more obvious to the masses that children shouldn't be eating garbage all the time? Haven't there been enough studies shown to prove it to everyone?!
It doesn't matter that your kids do not have an allergy, you are preventing them from developing diabetes, obesity, and ever-increasing illnesses. I feel like you should just be able to tell them that it is not acceptable for their teacher to put their health at risk, and they have to obey your wishes.
I would be all about participating in an effort to shield our children from this also, I would love to look into what we can do as a community. If you find anything out before I do, share the information please!

[EJ]

I'm not a parent, so I don't know how it would work, but you could try having a discussion with the teacher. Just state your desire that your child not be rewarded (for anything!) using food.

I agree, what a horrible way to reward kids-many of whom are already overweight But they do it because it works. Food is very rewarding. So maybe work with the teacher to find other non-food rewards.

[jessica14]

Realfoodmom,

I just had to schedule a meeting with my son kindergarten teacher about this! His daycare did the same thing, but I would only allow it on occasion because it occured when I picked him up. My son has sensory processing disorder, so I have the benefit of using that to justify(which I do not feel we should have to justify our food choices) the fact that I do not allow him to consume processed foods, dyes, or chemicals. People seem to understand it better when there is a reason, because if not to mainstream society our choices to just simply be healthy do not make sense to them. I hope you can find a solution!

[cleaneatingmel]

Yup! Mine gets given chocolate as treats at school. Ridiculous.

[Carolyn]

We had a talk with our day care teachers this summer after seeing how many crafts they did that involved sugary treats and candy. They know my son is sensitive to gluten and always ask for alternatives which is good - we normally send in healthier alternatives. However, it is too much. I think you are well within your rights to be frustrated. Perhaps suggesting giving alternative non-food rewards like stickers? Maybe you could even buy the stickers and send them in after talking with the teacher?