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ParentsSweet Classroom Celebrations without the Sugar
No cupcakes in classrooms. The news is whispered amongst parents
in scandalous tones. What next? No balloons? No candy? No recess?
Where will they draw the line? Some parents are outraged. Others
simply disappointed. And then there are the few who are relieved.
Teachers are torn.
Birthday celebrations are popular amongst elementary school kids and
in preschools across the nation. Children of all ages anxiously
await their own special day, they choose their treats with care,
anticipate the envious looks of classmates, and savor the thought of
their five minutes of fame.
Parents recall their school days with fond memories of birthday
crowns and smiling classmates. That one day when they were the
coolest kid on the playground, the bearer of cupcakes and a slightly
shortened math lesson. Or they look back with regret, recalling with
a slight pang their own neglected birthday, when a disappointed
classmate sent them a reproachful look and they sank a little lower
in their seat, guilty of depriving the class of a small celebration.
Parents are proud of their children, they want to celebrate the day
of their birth. They want to make the day as special as they can,
not just with a week end bash, but with classroom recognition. It’s
only once a year, for them, and a bit of candy and cupcakes seems
harmless.
However, multiply that one day, once a year, by 32 kids. Add in the
requisite Halloween Party, Winter Break party, Valentine’s Day
party, Spring into Spring party and End of Year party (Or whatever
days your school chooses to celebrate) and there’s a lot of sugar
coursing through those little veins. Take into account that both
food allergies and obesity are on the rise, and the concern many
parents are showing over their limited control over their child’s
diet outside of the home (and the fact that most kids eat more meals
and snacks away from home than in home) and you’ve got a serious
problem.
Where to draw the line? Since most children spend the majority of
their days in a classroom, the logical step is for schools to step
in. And many have, with the dreaded cupcake ban.
Most school superintendents will tell you the goal is not to deny
children their moment of glory. Many teachers are working with
parents to find ways to comply with the ban, without actually
banning celebrations. Some schools have adopted a once a month
party, where students are recognized as a group on the first day of
their birthday month, and classmates are treated to cookies after
singing Happy Birthday. Others simply encourage ‘healthy treats’ and
turn a blind eye to the occasional cupcakes, as long as they are
store bought. Still more have banned sweets but permit fruit or
small toys to be passed out by the birthday child. Most are still
trying to find the right balance to make everyone happy.
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