I have to vent! Preschool Halloween parties!

[marcyinPA]

I agree. I would be offended also. why didn't you either offer the kids a choice or send them home with them? I would have sent the cookies home which I think are very cute by the way. as far as the worms sure why not? most of the kids probably wouldn't have eaten them anyway. If you thought the dirt pudding was going to be a mess why not send that home and eat the cookies. I don't get the grapes they are 2 not 1 mine ate them whole by 2. and a donut hole so what.

I would have given them all the stuff and most would only have eaten a few bites of each and all the parents are happy. Not worth offending anyone and it is a party after all!!

The cookies were cute, but were not packaged to take home. If they had been, I'd have sent them home. The dirt pudding seemed to be the "main" snack, so we gave it out. The kids enjoyed it, although messy it was! I totally disagree about the grapes though. They were BIG, and there are two of us to 12 kids. If they choked.... You can't watch them all, all the time.

Next time, I'll be specific. Cookie/pretzels/ fruit tray (cut grapes). Lesson learned.

 

[allison443]

My newsletter says "if you don't have a chance to sign up this time, there will be other opportunities throughout the year".

I specifically asked for one salty, one sweet, one fruit. I got six.

I never thought I'd have to say bring cookies, cut grapes, and pretzels. I like to let parents bring in something of their choice, but I always thought they'd have common sense to bring in something suitable for 2 year olds. I've been teaching this program for five years, and this is the first time I've had an issue like this.

And when I specifically say that our party will be LOW KEY...well, that doesn't mean send in as much sugar as possible! Joke's on them though...our party is the last 15 minutes of the morning, and then they go home!

I think maybe the parents were suffering from Family Fun-itis, you know when you see all those cute holiday treats in the magazine and can't wait to have kids so you can make them. I'm sure they had good intentions and at least now you have snack for tomorrow (the munchkins)

 

[HelenePA]

Eh, never mind. At least my co-teacher and I agree with each other.

Not having ever been in my class of two's, you have no idea what kind of kids I'm working with this year. They are a challenging bunch, with some special needs not being met by anyone yet because it takes so long to get evaluated and into the system.

Two of the children didn't know how to use a spoon. With two teachers, 12 kids, and no aides, it was pretty crazy. No, we couldn't feed them, and no, there was no time to cut grapes.

I'll get past it...it was just a very stressful "party"....

Just think Christmas is coming up Cant you ask parents to help out if its that stressful?

 

[marcyinPA]

*Disclaimer*
*I am not calling you names or being snarky to YOU. I am stating this based on what you have posted and if I had heard any teacher complaining like this.*

I think you sound like a cranky teacher. They are two. Big deal if they eat a ton of junk at a party. Yes, I know plenty of two year olds who can eat a 4 inch gummy worm. That is why they have teeth. If they don't want it they won't eat it. I don't care if the kids don't eat the whole cupcake. I don't care if they lick the icing off and leave the rest. It is a party. Big whoop that you had tons of stuff. I like variety. I put out tons of stuff when I have a party too. You asked for stuff and you got it. I hate when people ask for volunteers and then complain about it. If you did want specific snacks you should have wrote them on the list. That I will agree with you. I also think that you are forgetting that parents just want to be a part of their kids school experience and pre-school is where it starts. Maybe Suzy loves munchkins and wanted to share that with her class. Maybe Joe's Grandma always makes a Halloween surprise dessert and he wanted to share that with his friends. You never know. As for the grapes- everyone is different about that stuff.

I also hate the whole black and orange thing. I don't want to have to go buy something else for one day of school when they already have a costume and they are 2.

Again- I am not being snippy but matter of fact and if you were my frind irl I would tell you the same thing.

Thanks?

Not cranky, just stressed. (at the risk of sounding conceited, the parents and kids love me and my co-teacher! ) And I never show my stress there. Ever. I always say Thanks so much! With a smile.

But, at home, or on the DIS, I can say "***??" edited: guess I can't use those three letters on the DIS! haha. I can say "What the ____?" !

But thanks again for your input!

 

[marcyinPA]

Just think Christmas is coming up Cant you ask parents to help out if its that stressful?

Never had to before, but will this year!!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Thanks?

Not cranky, just stressed. (at the risk of sounding conceited, the parents and kids love me and my co-teacher! ) And I never show my stress there. Ever. I always say Thanks so much! With a smile.

But, at home, or on the DIS, I can say "***??" edited: guess I can't use those three letters on the DIS! haha. I can say "What the ____?" !

But thanks again for your input!

I truly don't mean it snotty. My dh and I always joke that pre-school parents are always the super parents. (us included!) You spend all your life dreaming of this child and then you have them. You know you are going to be the best parent ever and do things like make cookies every day, teach them 10 languages, (even though you don't know more than one!), snuggle by the fire every night etc. Then preschool comes along and you will fundraise until the cows come home, send in baked goods, volunteer for anything etc. You want to do it all! Then as the kids get older you realize that yes, other parents can do stuff too (because surely you are the only parent doing so much) and that your kids don't care if you bought 50 rolls of wrapping paper.
So, I just think the parents are excited and I am sure it is organized chaos just remember that their intentions truly are good. God luck. It sounds like you will have a busy year.

 

[barkley]

the preschool i worked at would'nt permit home made treats, so the dirt cups and cakesters would have been sent back home. i think this must be the way the preschools (and elementarys for that matter) operate in the town near us because there's a sign in the store bakery that says "if you are purchasing items for a local school or preschool, consult with a staff member prior to making your purchase"-apparantly the schools have a list of approved items (and some items that due to specific allergies in specific classrooms are entirely prohibited).

 

[golfgal]

Maybe if you can get parents to bring in specific items, you'll have less junk to deal with.

My DS's preschool has a sign-up sheet for parents before every party. For the Halloween party, the sign-up sheet listed mini bagels, juice boxes, Hershey's Kisses, napkins, and plates. Parents just put their names next to the item they want to bring and it works great.

This is a good idea.


It isn't so much that they brought in the treats, it is WHAT they brought. I am pretty sure at 2 I wouldn't have been thrilled with my kid eating gummy worms-and trying to make sure 30 kids aren't CHOKING on them.

It was a VERY firm rule at our kids' elementary school-NO CUPCAKES unless the parent wanted to come in an clean up after them. They are a MESS. I can't imagine the MESS of the dirt treat OP, I feel for you!

 

[EMom]

I was in charge of organizing the treat bags for Christmas one year for DD's preschool class. (Keep in mind, there was a class next door of the exact same age kids.) The note/email made it beyond clear that we were putting together SMALL goody bags and asked parents to send one small/tiny item to add to the bag. For instance, you know the teeny tiny erasers? Well, buy a pack and split them up, so that each kid gets one teeny tiny eraser. Or send each kid one stick on tattoo. Or one Christmas pencil. You get the idea. Anyway, the note was clear.

Stuff started arriving and OMG!!!!! I don't know if anyone did what was asked. Some moms sent entire goody bags full of stuff. Instead of one teeny tiny eraser, each kid got a full pack. Before it was all over, each kid hauled home so much crap, they could barely tote it to their cars. I cannot begin to describe the booty they got that day.

So my friend, whose DD was in the next door class, called and griped about their do-nothing room mom, who had failed to organize a blessed thing for that class. Her kid brought home a pencil from the teacher and that was about it. I felt awful. Had I known that our class had almost more than they could carry and the other class had nothing, we could have easily taken some items over to those kids. I can't imagine how the do-withouts felt sitting in car line, looking at the loot the other class got.

It was a mess.

 

[kirstenb1]

Maybe for some of the families, this is their only child, or oldest child, so they aren't jaded yet, like the rest of us!

The parent who brought the grapes just forgot about them being a hazard. The dirt cups, and spider cookies sound adorable. Maybe next time you guys could just pop them in ziploc bags and send them home?

In dd's preschool, they just save extra stuff for the next day for snacktime.

 

[Magpie]

I've taught Sunday School. It's SO important not to give children under 3 anything they can choke on.

Sure your little Johnny or Suzie might be able to handle a hotdog or a whole grape or a gummy worm - or even an original Fisher Price person. But that doesn't mean another kid can. And when you've got 12 kids in your care, you've got to err on the side of caution.

Preschool teachers have to be twice as cautious as parents, all the time. These aren't their kids, and they can't take any chances with them, not even something that a parent might perceive as a "reasonable risk" (like a whole grape).

OP, I feel for you! I can only imagine the mess!

 

[Nancyg56]

My newsletter says "if you don't have a chance to sign up this time, there will be other opportunities throughout the year".

I specifically asked for one salty, one sweet, one fruit. I got six.

I know that this has been covered already but it helps if you have a sheet adn parents can sign up. In my DGD's preschool there was a sheet posted and folks could sign up. WHen the list was complete............that was it. Better luck offering next time.

I also think you would do well to ask parents to assist for parties. Again, just put up a volunteer sheet and ask for two or three parents to help out. The parents can then learn the challenges certain snacks adn drinks present and you will have help with th ekids. Make sure they stay to clean up and you can bet the snacks will be more practical teh next time.

Eh, never mind. At least my co-teacher and I agree with each other.

Not having ever been in my class of two's, you have no idea what kind of kids I'm working with this year. They are a challenging bunch, with some special needs not being met by anyone yet because it takes so long to get evaluated and into the system.

Two of the children didn't know how to use a spoon. With two teachers, 12 kids, and no aides, it was pretty crazy. No, we couldn't feed them, and no, there was no time to cut grapes.

I'll get past it...it was just a very stressful "party"....

Parents really do not understand the challenges a group like you have present. It makes sense to them to go above and beyond decorating cookies, making cure desserts and sending in "plenty" for everyone. I think that parent volunteers would solve a lot of the stress you are under.

I used to volunteer in my DGD's preschool. We helped during centers, snack and getting the children dressed to go outside. After we cleaned up the classroom we assisted during recess. I loved it adn enjoyed the kids. I think that being involved helped though, because it gave me an opportunity to see what makes sense in the classroom and what does not. It also gave me a chance to be participate in a special part of my DGD's life.

I believe that as others have said, parents just want to be involved and they want to help. They are not mind readers though. What is a fun snack at a party in the home does nto always make sense in a preschool classroom. Help the parents to participate by telling them what you need, snacks, classroom enhancements for a special project, assistance during recess or parties or glue sticks. It doesn;t really matter, they will do what you need ..............and you will not be exhausted and resentful after what you intended to be a nice day.

 

[luvmy3]

Yes, I'd let my 2 year old have junk at a party. It's a party!

But had I been a parent in your class, I would have signed up for something on your list. I wouldn't have ignored your requests.

My newsletter says "if you don't have a chance to sign up this time, there will be other opportunities throughout the year".

I specifically asked for one salty, one sweet, one fruit. I got six.

I never thought I'd have to say bring cookies, cut grapes, and pretzels. I like to let parents bring in something of their choice, but I always thought they'd have common sense to bring in something suitable for 2 year olds. I've been teaching this program for five years, and this is the first time I've had an issue like this.

And when I specifically say that our party will be LOW KEY...well, that doesn't mean send in as much sugar as possible! Joke's on them though...our party is the last 15 minutes of the morning, and then they go home!

I would suggest being specific on your sign up sheet to avoid this in the future. Some parents feel bad if they don't participate, or they just want to do something special for the kids. they shouldn't go against your request but its just better to be prepared for it next time.
I guess I don't see the big deal, when my kids were in pre-school and even K, if there was extra food sent in, the kids would take it home, or saved for snack time the next day.
I can understand the type food being a safety issue, but saying you want to keep it low key is pretty vague, so unless you say "so that means we don't want them to eat alot of sugar" then you can't expect parents to know that. I take low key to mean that there won't be a ton of loud games and dancing, maybe just some crafts and a story and treat time.

Hopefully you won't have this issue at your next party.

 

[marcyinPA]

I know that this has been covered already but it helps if you have a sheet adn parents can sign up. In my DGD's preschool there was a sheet posted and folks could sign up. WHen the list was complete............that was it. Better luck offering next time.

I also think you would do well to ask parents to assist for parties. Again, just put up a volunteer sheet and ask for two or three parents to help out. The parents can then learn the challenges certain snacks adn drinks present and you will have help with th ekids. Make sure they stay to clean up and you can bet the snacks will be more practical teh next time.



Parents really do not understand the challenges a group like you have present. It makes sense to them to go above and beyond decorating cookies, making cure desserts and sending in "plenty" for everyone. I think that parent volunteers would solve a lot of the stress you are under.

I used to volunteer in my DGD's preschool. We helped during centers, snack and getting the children dressed to go outside. After we cleaned up the classroom we assisted during recess. I loved it adn enjoyed the kids. I think that being involved helped though, because it gave me an opportunity to see what makes sense in the classroom and what does not. It also gave me a chance to be participate in a special part of my DGD's life.

I believe that as others have said, parents just want to be involved and they want to help. They are not mind readers though. What is a fun snack at a party in the home does nto always make sense in a preschool classroom. Help the parents to participate by telling them what you need, snacks, classroom enhancements for a special project, assistance during recess or parties or glue sticks. It doesn;t really matter, they will do what you need ..............and you will not be exhausted and resentful after what you intended to be a nice day.

I did put a sign up sheet out. And it was full. And I still got more. One parent brought in two sweet snacks, not one. Over and beyond for sure! I'm not ungrateful, but I am a realist, and I do know that a 2 year old would not know the difference if they had three things on their plate, or a whole plateful of junk. They don't miss what they've never had, and for most of them, this is their very first school/group experience. Even if we just had goldfish, but called them a "special" treat, they would think they are a "special treat"! you know what I mean? (it's all in the delivery! )

You are right, though, that I will have to have parent volunteers next time. Especially for this class.

For what's it's worth, and I didn't mention this in my previous posts...we teach three separate classes. One on M/W, one on Thursday and one on Friday. Some of our kids come two days (M/W) and some only come one day (Th or F). I do save some extra snacks when it is practical (like pretzels and crackers) but others would spoil if I held onto them until the next school day.

 

[marcyinPA]

I've taught Sunday School. It's SO important not to give children under 3 anything they can choke on.

Sure your little Johnny or Suzie might be able to handle a hotdog or a whole grape or a gummy worm - or even an original Fisher Price person. But that doesn't mean another kid can. And when you've got 12 kids in your care, you've got to err on the side of caution.

Preschool teachers have to be twice as cautious as parents, all the time. These aren't their kids, and they can't take any chances with them, not even something that a parent might perceive as a "reasonable risk" (like a whole grape).

OP, I feel for you! I can only imagine the mess!

Thank you!! Clearly, you get it!

 

[Hannathy]

I still don't see the big deal. I would have put it all out let them pick what they wanted and eat what they wanted. If the grapes were a problem don't put those out and save them for then next day when you could have cut them.
I also don't understand how choc. pudding can be such a problem. sure they are going to get it on there faces but they serve pudding in day care all the time. Do they go home by way of bus or picked up? if picked up they could have carried the cookie home on a plate or napkin if you didn't have baggies.

I think if you wanted specific things you should have said that or else accept what is brought in. when I taught preschool the parents whose stuff didn't get served would be calling the director about now upset.

I know you were venting I just don't see what there is to be worked up over at least you got stuff sent in, too much is better than nothing.

 

[Nancyg56]

I did put a sign up sheet out. And it was full. And I still got more. One parent brought in two sweet snacks, not one. Over and beyond for sure! I'm not ungrateful, but I am a realist, and I do know that a 2 year old would not know the difference if they had three things on their plate, or a whole plateful of junk. They don't miss what they've never had, and for most of them, this is their very first school/group experience. Even if we just had goldfish, but called them a "special" treat, they would think they are a "special treat"! you know what I mean? (it's all in the delivery! )

You are right, though, that I will have to have parent volunteers next time. Especially for this class.

.

Oh Marcy, you are giving us way too much credit The teachers had a list and boy, was it specific.

1 dozen munchkins ( this might have been listed twice

1 64 ox bottle of juice

1 bag goldfish

you get the picture? It listed what and how much. The teachers did get some special things occasionally but becasue there was a discount if a parent volunteered once a month most of us understood what extra food was going to be like and followed the suggestions. Once you get to chase gummy anything around a room you never send it in

 

[marcyinPA]

I still don't see the big deal. I would have put it all out let them pick what they wanted and eat what they wanted. If the grapes were a problem don't put those out and save them for then next day when you could have cut them.
I also don't understand how choc. pudding can be such a problem. sure they are going to get it on there faces but they serve pudding in day care all the time. Do they go home by way of bus or picked up? if picked up they could have carried the cookie home on a plate or napkin if you didn't have baggies.

I think if you wanted specific things you should have said that or else accept what is brought in. when I taught preschool the parents whose stuff didn't get served would be calling the director about now upset.

I know you were venting I just don't see what there is to be worked up over at least you got stuff sent in, too much is better than nothing.

I wish the pudding was just on their faces! It was EVERYWHERE. It was pudding with crushed up oreos on it. This group has not mastered the spoon well. Many of them have just turned 2 within the past 2 months or so.

Grapes were saved, and cut after school, and will be served tomorrow.

Nobody is going to call the director. Not worried about that. I was more than diplomatic at pick-up time

More specific next time and parent volunteers.

And I'm PMS'ing...maybe the reason I needed to vent it?

 

[descovy]

Oy, I am with you. I used to work in a preschool (infant room) but my kids did the whole preschool party nonsense. It was always a HUGE sugar fix. Full sized cookies, full sized cupcakes, Hi-C. Dinner sized plates full of JUNK FOOD for toddlers. Used to drive me mad, but yes, the mommies were always so proud of themselves.

In my baby room, we kept them all year. So halloween was no big deal (we were like 6 months old) but by Easter, most of the babies were turning one. We actually had a parent complain that we DIDN'T have a cupcake/cookie/hi-C party. Are you kidding me?

BTW... from now on, yes, doing your own low-key party is the way to go. Mommies be dammed

Sorry, but I'm just going to spill it!

I'm a preschool teacher in the 2's class. Every year, we have a little Halloween party. LITTLE. I always stress to the parents that we try to keep it low-key. We don't dress up in costume, but we have "orange and black day" and most of our little ones come in some sort of Halloween shirt/outfit. CUTE.

A week ahead, I put on a sign up sheet, asking for ONE sweet snack, ONE salty snack, ONE fruit, plates, and napkins. They are TWO, so they don't each much. Three items on the plate=plenty. We have asked from the start of the school year that they don't bring cupcakes for any celebrations, because they just don't eat them.

OK...so TODAY. One parent brought worms in dirt and spider cookies made from oreo cakesters. Does this parent really let her 2 year old eat four inch long gummy worms?? One parent brought Dunkin munchkins. One parent brought whole grapes and one brought apples. And one brought pretzels.

So we should have had three food items, and we had SIX.

The worms in dirt were a MESS. Chocolate everywhere. We sent the spider cookies back home. Grandma was offended. Oh well.

The grapes are being saved for tomorrow so I had some time to cut them. I never gave my 2 year olds whole grapes (and these were pretty large).

The Dunkin Munchkins are being saved for tomorrow too. Thankfully the mom who brought them was understanding.

What really blows my mind though is are parents REALLY ok with their little ones eating so much junk?? And why would they bring so much, knowing that a lot of it gets thrown out?

My co-teacher and I have considered eliminating sign ups and just bringing the party food ourselves from now on, but that would really upset parents!

I guess we can't win.

Vent over. Thanks.

 

[Owlpost23]

Marcy-as a kitchen manager in a private preschool,I understand completely! The pudding sounds like a nightmare! You have to keep it cold,and unless you've got a TON of refrigerated space,your cook is likely to be put out with extra goodies that have to be stored.I have a real problem with the posters who say "let them eat junk,it's a party!"-especially if they're the ones who don't have to deal with a roomful of two year olds jacked up on sugar.There are reasons you've limited the treats,and parents should understand that you have their children's best interests (and safety) at heart.