What are "we" doing to our children in America?

[CEDmom]

THAT IS ALL WE ARE SAYING: THE SCHOOLS SHOULD NOT BE PUSHIHNG THIS STUFF!!!!!

The snacks are sold at my kids school at the beginning when they get the rest of their lunch. They could fill their trays up with just chips and ice cream and no one would say a word. The title of the thread is "what are we doing to our kids", well we are paying taxes that go to schools that sell small children junk food. And some of us are not ok with that.

I don't consider selling snacks as pushing them if there's some restrictions on them. I doubt any of us allow our children to have a treat before eating lunch so I would expect schools to do the same thing. Assuming they give kids enough time to eat a healthy lunch before selling snacks I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with it. This is where parents need to provide guidance for their child to make good choices when mom or dad isn't around. Sometimes this choice can be junk but it s/b the exception and a treat not a daily event.

 

[Wishing on a star]

that does not make it right for the schools to sell this **** to kids. It's not okay. It's not about parental responsiblity. I don't display an array of junk food in my house every day and then tell my kids they can't have it while other people in the house get to. That would be cruel and pointless. Again the school is "in loco parentis" and I don't know any parent who flaunts junk food in front of their kids faces every day while telling them not to eat it.

Once Again....

 

[teacherforhi]

I can't put a restriction on my kids account. They are not allowed to buy treats every day and I trust they respect what I say when I'm not there. However, that does not make it right for the schools to sell this **** to kids. It's not okay. It's not about parental responsiblity. I don't display and array of junk food in my house every day and then tell my kids they can't have it while other people in the house get to. That would be cruel and pointless. Again the school is "in loco parentis" and I don't know any parent who flaunts junk food in front of their kids faces every day while telling them not to eat it.

But there could also be just as many parents who don't mind what's being sold. Just because you don't want your children to have the junk, doesn't mean that others feel the same way.

The simple fact is that schools will never win. Like so many things in life, parents are abdicating their responsibilities and then complain that the school isn't doing anything about it.

Look at this way, in NC, kids are in school 180 out of 365 days. That's less than half the year. They eat one meal with us (possibly two for the ones that get breakfast as well...no extras sold there, though). At the elementary level, they may get a snack. Parents feed them far more food than the school ever will. So how is the obesity problem the school's fault?

 

[chobie]

Chobie,

methinks that these educators will go down with the ship on any issue where parents may be critical of the school system.

My DH is a public school teacher and he is not happy about the schools selling junk to the kids either. And no one will answer you challenge and come right out and defend this practice of the school selling this stuff to the kids will they? It's indefensible. They should not be selling unhealthy stuff to the kids. Public schools are not a profit-making industry, nor should they be.

 

[chobie]

But there could also be just as many parents who don't mind what's being sold. Just because you don't want your children to have the junk, doesn't mean that others feel the same way.

The simple fact is that schools will never win. Like so many things in life, parents are abdicating their responsibilities and then complain that the school isn't doing anything about it.

Look at this way, in NC, kids are in school 180 out of 365 days. That's less than half the year. They eat one meal with us (possibly two for the ones that get breakfast as well...no extras sold there, though). At the elementary level, they may get a snack. Parents feed them far more food than the school ever will. So how is the obesity problem the school's fault?

I never said the obesity problem is the school's fault, but they should not be aiding and abetting either, should they? There are lots of unhealthy, unsafe things school do not allow that other parents would be okay with, like heelys for example, but that does not mean they should allow it because some parents are not concerned about the health/safety issues.

 

[U2_rocks]

I don't consider selling snacks as pushing them if there's some restrictions on them. I doubt any of us allow our children to have a treat before eating lunch so I would expect schools to do the same thing. Assuming they give kids enough time to eat a healthy lunch before selling snacks I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with it. This is where parents need to provide guidance for their child to make good choices when mom or dad isn't around. Sometimes this choice can be junk but it s/b the exception and a treat not a daily event.

Not all schools do this sort of restriction/control. And not all schools restrict (or enforce) what can be brought in lunches. I pack lunches for my kids, and they often bring home the healthy stuff without eating it, and obviously have shared someone else's snacks that filled them up. I know there is a point at which one can go overboard trying to control food in school, but I honestly see a lot of room for improvement right now.

And there are very few 5 and 6 years old who have a level of self-discipline that is enough to override their desire for the treats. The kids who resist the treats are generally ones who don't have a strong taste for them in the first place. many kids, like my DS, have strong cravings for them, not only for the treat itself, but the sense of belonging that comes from sharing those treats with a friend or two.

 

[teacherforhi]

Chobie,

methinks that these educators will go down with the ship on any issue where parents may be critical of the school system.

I don't think schools should be PUSHING junk. However, as a TEACHER, I am not going to police the lunches of my students. I get 22 minutes for lunch. I make sure they get through the line and sit at a table. If parents want to make sure that their child isn't purchasing certain items, they need to take some responsibility and contact the school and make some sort of arrangements regarding such. I can't read anyone's mind and if the parents hasn't expressed a concern, then I don't know it exists.

 

[chobie]

I don't think schools should be PUSHING junk. However, as a TEACHER, I am not going to police the lunches of my students. I get 22 minutes for lunch. I make sure they get through the line and sit at a table. If parents want to make sure that their child isn't purchasing certain items, they need to take some responsibility and contact the school and make some sort of arrangements regarding such. I can't read anyone's mind and if the parents hasn't expressed a concern, then I don't know it exists.

You are right that this is not, nor should not be, the TEACHER's responsiblity. You are wrong is saying it is the parents' problem. The school district should not be selling junk food at all. Parent's should not have to banging down the doors of the school board to get them to follow a no-brainer policy of not selling crap to small children.

 

[teacherforhi]

Not all schools do this sort of restriction/control. And not all schools restrict (or enforce) what can be brought in lunches. I pack lunches for my kids, and they often bring home the healthy stuff without eating it, and obviously have shared someone else's snacks that filled them up. I know there is a point at which one can go overboard trying to control food in school, but I honestly see a lot of room for improvement right now.

So are you saying that someone should be policing the tables at lunch making sure that everyone's lunch meets YOUR specifications? This is the point that you should be adamant with your child that you expect the lunch you packed to be eaten. Once again, contact the school and explain the problem and let them deal with that individual issue. Don't expect them to pass rules just for you.

 

[chobie]

So are you saying that someone should be policing the tables at lunch making sure that everyone's lunch meets YOUR specifications? This is the point that you should be adamant with your child that you expect the lunch you packed to be eaten. Once again, contact the school and explain the problem and let them deal with that individual issue. Don't expect them to pass rules just for you.

Its not just for her! It's for all the kids. They don't need junk food! You can't defend selling to them. How hard would it be for schools to just not sell the crap? At lot easier than to expect teachers to police school lunches, parents to be constantly monitoring what their kid eats at school, or any other combination. JUST STOP SELLING THE CRAP!!! The school is not a business, its there to help children learn and junk food does not help in any way.

 

[Galahad]

You are right that this is not, nor should not be, the TEACHER's responsiblity. You are wrong is saying it is the parents' problem. The school district should not be selling junk food at all. Parent's should not have to banging down the doors of the school board to get them to follow a no-brainer policy of not selling crap to small children.

ITA!

 

[paigevz]

Exactly U2,

They are feeding the kids all this sugar and food-dyes and preservatives... Then they expect them to sit quietly and learn??????

Yep, the schools are professional child experts.... REALLY smart when it comes to how to care for kids.

I think I was pretty clear that I agree the snacks shouldn't be there. Maybe I didn't come across right? Just that I'm one of the teachers on this thread, and I do think we're in the same place on that.

However, the administrators are NOT child experts.............teachers are supposed to be, but administrators are administration experts. They are the ones making these decisions. I don't think any teacher blindly supports administration. At least not any I know.............

 

[CEDmom]

For those of you that don't have any kind of monitoring at your school have you tried to bring your concerns to the PTO and work with them to implement one? I'm sure you're not the only parent in your school concerned about this. I really think the only way anything will change is for someone to step up to the plate and initiate one. I know our PTO has a very strong voice and would be able to accomplish something like this if necessary.

 

[teacherforhi]

Its not just for her! It's for all the kids. They don't need junk food! You can't defend selling to them. How hard would it be for schools to just not sell the crap? At lot easier than to expect teachers to police school lunches, parents to be constantly monitoring what their kid eats at school, or any other combination. JUST STOP SELLING THE CRAP!!! The school is not a business, its there to help children learn and junk food does not help in any way.

Actually, I was responding to her comment about the school doesn't have rules (or doesn't enforce them) about what children BRING FROM HOME (look I can type in big letters too!). And you know, I would be sad if they stopped selling banana pudding cups at school. After a long morning of math, I quite enjoy one with my lunch.

 

[HappyLawyer]

If you don't like what your child is buying in the cafeteria, put a restriction on their account. It's that simple. I will not, EVER, attempt to restrict what a child purchases at lunch for the simple reason that if I do, that'll be the time that I'll have a parent screaming at me that their child can buy whatever they want.

See our district does not do restrictions, they have no type of system for that.

 

[chobie]

I think I was pretty clear that I agree the snacks shouldn't be there. Maybe I didn't come across right? Just that I'm one of the teachers on this thread, and I do think we're in the same place on that.

However, the administrators are NOT child experts.............teachers are supposed to be, but administrators are administration experts. They are the ones making these decisions. I don't think any teacher blindly supports administration. At least not any I know.............

That's the truth. The problem is that many administrators/board members think like business people. So selling candy to 6 year olds might make sense on a business level, but on a common sense level it leaves much to be desired.

 

[U2_rocks]

So are you saying that someone should be policing the tables at lunch making sure that everyone's lunch meets YOUR specifications? This is the point that you should be adamant with your child that you expect the lunch you packed to be eaten. Once again, contact the school and explain the problem and let them deal with that individual issue. Don't expect them to pass rules just for you.

No, this is not about MY specifications. This is about basic nutrition and health. Junk food is not necessary, period. Sure it tastes great, but I can make any poison taste great if I add the right flavourings, can't I?

This is about the fact that junk food does nothing to provide nourishment to the growing bodies that are in school every day. These kids need to be at their best to learn and grow - why hinder them by feeding them stuff that fills them up with empty calories and could affect their ability to concentrate in class? Food can be a pleasure, but there are many pleasurable things out there that can at least povide some semblance of nutrition. The junk that passes for snacks nowadays just astounds me. Have you read the labels on those things?

I just don't see that need. But as long as kids are allowed to bring it to school, and as long as the cafeteria sells it, all the kids will want it, and all the kids will get it one way or another. Once a week I can live with, but not 5 days a week.

I guess I am choosy, and many would feel that I don't have the right to force my choosiness on others. The thing is, my position is supported by nutritionists. My view is the one that leads to healthiest kids, and thus healthiest adults. I don't see why people are so adamant about defending their kids' rights to eat that crap during school hours! At least if the kids were eating well at school, then parents could happily indulge their kids with treats on evenings and weekends, knowing that they have been "good" (nutrition-wise) all day at school. I want this for the good of the children, and believe me, getting rid of junk at school could only be good for the children, it could never been harmful.

 

[HappyLawyer]

My school has never sold candy bars of slushies and we've never had a vending machine, so I can't speak to that. As far as saying no one talks about it being the teacher's responsibility, who do you think is in the school? Certainly not the superintendant.

By your same reasoning, junk food shouldn't be sold in grocery stores either because that puts you in the position of having to tell your child no when other parents are putting it in their buggy.

Again, who cares what other people are doing, i am not the type of parent afraid to tell my child no, i could care less what other parents are doing or putting in their cart. If your child sees another child acting like a fool in the store, and your child starts to act the same way, are you not going to say anything if the other parent does not say anything. I think we have too many yes parents already in the world, but everyone is entitled to raise their child the way they want, some people don't like to say no to their children and they deal with that. It is not having to be in a position of telling a child no, we are the parents, it is not negotiable (or how ever you spell that word)

 

[teacherforhi]

No, this is not about MY specifications. This is about basic nutrition and health. Junk food is not necessary, period. Sure it tastes great, but I can make any poison taste great if I add the right flavourings, can't I?

This is about the fact that junk food does nothing to provide nourishment to the growing bodies that are in school every day. These kids need to be at their best to learn and grow - why hinder them by feeding them stuff that fills them up with empty calories and could affect their ability to concentrate in class? Food can be a pleasure, but there are many pleasurable things out there that can at least povide some semblance of nutrition. The junk that passes for snacks nowadays just astounds me. Have you read the labels on those things?

I just don't see that need. But as long as kids are allowed to bring it to school, and as long as the cafeteria sells it, all the kids will want it, and all the kids will get it one way or another. Once a week I can live with, but not 5 days a week.

I guess I am choosy, and many would feel that I don't have the right to force my choosiness on others. The thing is, my position is supported by nutritionists. My view is the one that leads to healthiest kids, and thus healthiest adults. I don't see why people are so adamant about defending their kids' rights to eat that crap during school hours! At least if the kids were eating well at school, then parents could happily indulge their kids with treats on evenings and weekends, knowing that they have been "good" (nutrition-wise) all day at school. I want this for the good of the children, and believe me, getting rid of junk at school could only be good for the children, it could never been harmful.

I completely agree that healthy food is better for everyone. However, schools are damned if they do and damned if they don't. Look at the threads on here when someone suggests that schools ban peanut butter due to children having severe allergies. I personally feel that schools do not have the right to ban foods based on how nutritious it is. (Note: That doesn't mean they have to SELL it.) Do you honestly expect teachers to go through every lunch box and make sure it meets some sort of nutritional criteria? What parents feed their children is not something that can be fixed by the schools. We have quite enough on our plate already, thank you.

If enough parents banded together about what was being SOLD at their schools, you might see some results, as another poster said. Instead of just throwing your hands up and complain that there's nothing you can do, get together with like-minded people and see what you can accomplish.

 

[U2_rocks]

Actually, I was responding to her comment about the school doesn't have rules (or doesn't enforce them) about what children BRING FROM HOME (look I can type in big letters too!). And you know, I would be sad if they stopped selling banana pudding cups at school. After a long morning of math, I quite enjoy one with my lunch.

You can always bring banana pudding cups from home.

Every year at our teacher/parents' orientation-type meeting the teachers beg parents not to send certain things in their child's lunches - the teachers are actually on board with nutrition, and they are the first to tell you that the junk food DOES affect learning and concentration. However, they cannot be everywhere, and they cannot monitor everyone, and I do sympathize with you there. I think I am more ranting at the other parents for blatantly disregarding the teachers' requests/school rules. I didn't mean to sound like I was ranting at my school's teachers, they are on my side 100%. However, it doesn't sound like some other schools are the same way, and I was speaking generally (even though at our school I don't have an issue with the teachers) because of that.