Back before I became a school nurse and my own two were starting school, I thought it was a big bummer that our school district did not allow families to bring in cakes, cupcakes, etc. to celebrate birthdays in the classroom. I still remember how excited I would get when a parent walked into my classroom with a big box and we knew we were getting cupcakes :) Well, now that I am a school nurse, see the obesity epidemic firsthand in my school, and have several kids with severe allergies, I totally get it. As of right now, my school DOES allow parents to bring in treats. When I tell you that our families go WAY over the top, I am not exaggerating. They will bring in a huge cake, individual bags of chips, and juice boxes for the class. And this is served right after lunch. Teachers always call/text me to ask who in their class can't have it due to allergies- it is a pain and I really just wish we could get rid of the practice altogether. I sent out an email to all our teachers last night, asking them their thoughts about having families celebrate birthdays in a non-food way (special craft, 5 minutes longer recess for the class, etc.). MOST of the teachers are totally on board, but a few actually said they wanted to "protect the sacred practice", LOL. I guess I am surprised because when there is a birthday, those same teachers complain it is such a PITA. I am fully prepared for parents to be against getting rid of the practice.
Anyway, have you been part of outlawing food for birthdays at school? Does your school allow it? Thoughts? Opinions?
If it matters, I feel like my kids are already eating all day long- breakfast at arrival in the classroom, snack 90 minutes later, lunch an hour after snack, afternoon snack an hour and a half after lunch...throw a cupcake somewhere in there, yikes!!!
