By blog team member, Kiran.To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page or her blog!
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Eating real food is important to me and just as important for my family. I know firsthand that this is not always easy, and it doesn't happen overnight. But as parents, I feel that it's our job to give our kids the knowledge of what healthy actually means—both in and outside the house.
Our First Soccer Experience
Last fall, my 7 year old joined the local soccer league - a very organized one at that. We're still in the stage of figuring out where our kids' talents lie, and for this season, it was soccer. One practice a week and one game on weekends...that I could handle. But the snack situation I could not.
The first game rolled around, and each girl was instructed to bring a water bottle. Super, I thought. They absolutely need hydration. The coach had brought a big bag of oranges, cut and ready to be consumed, which the kids ate during the 45 minute game. Awesome! I loved that they had a sweet, nourishing whole food snack and water to nosh on while taking a breather.
But then when they finished the game and were given a bag of Cheez-It's and a Capri Sun, I was baffled. Um, really? But what was I going to do, be the mean mom who wouldn't let my daughter take the snack? (I was not the mean mom this time.)
Shortly thereafter I received a sign-up sheet. Apparently this was going to be the norm. Each parent was to sign up to bring cut oranges for one of the games, and on that same day they were responsible for supplying the snack.
Snacks vs. Soccer
My first issue is this. When it comes to recreational sports for kids, they don't really need a snack afterwards. If they are fed a good, solid breakfast prior to the game and then they hydrate and eat oranges during, do they really need something else right afterwards?
I'll admit that I don't have a degree in sports nutrition, so I reached out to an expert on the subject. Nancy Clark is a registered dietitian and best-selling author who is known for her book, Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook. She concurred saying,
"The determining factor is how hard the kids have played. If they have gone all out and done exhaustive exercise or if they will be playing again in 6-8 hours, they need to rapidly refuel. However if they just played a friendly game of soccer and are hungry afterwards, they can go have lunch. Kids bodies are very good at regulating; they know when they are hungry and know to eat when they are. If you put Cheetos in front of them, they will eat them just because...but they'd probably be fine heading home to have lunch."
I also have an issue with kids getting unnecessary snacks because, once again, I feel that we are programming our kids to think that you always get something when you do something. In this case, the kids were more excited about the snacks than the actual game.
Whatever happened to just being proud of playing and feeling good about what you just did? When did we lose this simplicity?
During our soccer season, these are some of the snacks my daughter received:
- Cheese-Its and Capri Sun
- Doritos and Gatorade
- Cheetos and a juice box
- Chex Mix and a juice box
- Potato chips and a Gatorade
- Pretzels (made from refined white flour) and a Powerade
I have to admit that I had angst for a few weeks before it was my turn. As the soccer team was poisoning (Okay, okay. Maybe that's a strong word. Brainwashing?) my daughter into thinking she'd have these highly processed snacks, what could I bring that would satisfy on all levels?
I opted for squeezable applesauce and whole wheat pretzels. And water. For Pete's sake, what's wrong with just some water to drink afterwards??!
I had two non-takers; I'm not going to lie. But most left feeling happy, especially my kids (I had brought extra for my three other children). And me. It was a win, and I'm not talking soccer.
What Can We Do About It?
I realize that I'm not going to change every sports association out there. Though I'm really, really hopeful (hint, hint) that some of you will read this and take action, I'm sure that snacks of some sort will continue.
So I've included a list of better choices in case you have to sign up for snack duty for your child's sports. And note that I realize many organizations probably won't let you make your own goodies to bring, though how great would that be??
Healthy Sports Team Snack Ideas
- Carrot sticks (in baggies*)
- Apple slices (in baggies*)
- Mini apples
- Whole-wheat pretzels
- Lara Bars
- Dried whole grain cereal (such as puffed brown rice or organic corn)
- Bananas
- Squeezable applesauces
- Unsweetened applesauce cups
- Dried dates (in baggies*)
- Strawberries (whole with tops cut off, in baggies*)
- Oranges
- Bags of popcorn made using The Popcorn Trick
- Small bag of almonds (Trader Joe's sells these) - not suitable for those with nut allergies
- Raisins
For more ideas check out our list of 85 snack ideas for kids and adults!
*A great alternative to regular plastic bags are these bio-degradable monster bags.
I'm not the only one who is fired up about this. Sally from Real Mom Nutrition has a great post that includes all the tools you need to be proactive about being a "snactivist" when it comes to sport snacks. School Bites has another great post on the topic.
Please share your thoughts. Have you encountered this? And if so, how did you handle it?
March 7, 2014 update:
I am ecstatic to share that I took some of the commenters' advice. A few of you had suggested not just talking about it, but doing something about it. So I reached out to our local soccer association who was 100% on board with it.
They had me put together a letter to go out to all parents regarding the topic, along with suggested snacks (above), though it's up to the coach to decide whether or not they want to implement a snack rotation. I was sure to suggest oranges and waters for during the game. They also are including this information on their website.
To be exact, below was their response:
"Thank you for your passion and efforts. Think this is a big issue and will support you in this."
You can read the entire correspondence with the team here if you'd like.
Thank you for encouraging me to reach out to them - and now it's your turn to also do so. Together we can make a difference!!
Alli says
When my kids played soccer, their favorite part was the snack. My youngest actually came right out and said that he only liked soccer for the snack -- always junk food. Fortunately, the sports my kids chose to continue with as they got older didn't have snacks as part of the regular routine. Instead, they might get a treat from the coaches after the last game of the season and I am fine with that. Now we do basketball, lacrosse, and fencing, in case anyone wants to know what the snack-free sports are. ;)
John Hudec says
Eating a good snack following sport can be important to recovery. Snack choice is important. Carbs and H20 are what needed right after competition. soon after athletes should have a good healthy meal. that's the plan for recovery allowing the best recovery and upcoming performance. Parents should take care not to get caught up in overdoing the use of gatoraide etc. when it is not needed. It is marketed currently to make kids feel like athletes rather than to perform like athletes. water is an appropriate fluid replacement in many cases.
Tina says
Hi Nikki,
I just wanted to say that my children went to a Montessori preschool and they absolutely loved it for so many reasons. And at their former school they did have good nutritious snacks daily.
Lynn says
I have this exact same issue at my children's school. Each week a parent brings a snack based on the letter of the week. More often than not it's something sweet. The. They also offer the kids the snack that we parents pack unknowingly and this is all after they just are a lunch an hour ago. It makes me want to bang my head against a wall. I tried talking to the school but I just ended up being the bad guy. The only thing that makes me chuckle is my letter is G and i will be bringing in green smoothies.
gayle casey says
Green smoothies - I love it!!!
Nikki says
Kiran,
I could not agree more with your blog post! I have been encountering this at my sons 2-day a week preschool. Each students parent is to bring snack during their assigned weeks. Today I picked my son up and his upper lip and fingernails were orange. Cheetos! He doesn't even know what they are, but he loved them! My kids do have chips every now and then, but usually the 3 ingredient kind from Trader Joes, so I do not feel like they are missing out. Other days it is cookies, cupcakes, etc. He does get dessert each night, so I am not jazzed about him having a dessert at 11am, and a 3 year old does not understand that the cupcake is a dessert when it is being passed as snack. I sent fruit, carrot sticks, and granola before, and they all ate it. Like you, I do not want to be mean mom and prohibit my son from having snack, but he is going to 3 days a week next year, and I am considering putting him in a Montessori school for many reasons, one is their focus on nutrition and the links between proper nutrition and the positive effects it has on learning.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Nikki,
I just started one of my kids in Montessori and LOVE the fact that, as you say, they do have a strong focus on nutrition/positive effects on learning. I'd encourage you to look into it more!
Nikki says
That is great to hear, I am glad to hear positive feedback about this avenue of education. I hope you will blog about what the experience is like in regards to nutrition in that school setting! PS. I downloaded the lunch menu plan that you and Lisa created, 3-ringed punched the pages, and put it in a special binder. We have made the granola bars and energy balls. The kids loved both, and I was able to cut out store-bought "fiber/energy bars". Thank you for all the great information and guidance, you are making a difference in helping others live a healthier life.
Kiran says
What a great idea for a post. Thank you! And I'm SO glad you are enjoying the lunch plan. Keep it up!!:)
Muriah says
As a Montessori teacher, I encourage you to ask pointed questions about snacks and nutrition! I have worked at a school that had very strict, healthful guidelines, and now I work for a school that has almost none (I'm working on that :)). Anyway, just saying to be sure to do your research and don't assume that the word Montessori is attached to any particular nutritional philosophy. I wish it were so, but it isn't always true.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Good to know - thanks Muriah!
Tina says
Honestly, if parents bring "home packaged" snacks we toss them. I'll be honest. The potential germ factor/lack of cleanness grosses me out. You can find a healthy option to bring when it's your turn for snacks. Or just email the team and "opt out". We bring whole fruit, boxes of raisins, mini oranges, etc....
Dealing with this is the real world. You will not be able to control every morsels especially as they get older. You do what you can.
Kate says
I agree that snacks are not needed, but if you do have to bring them, one option is a big watermelon that can be cut on the spot. My experience is that not all kids will be takers, but most do. A seed-spitting contest usually follows.
jen says
Many adults need to reprogram, to learn the hard way, that food should not be used as a reward or just for fun for themselves. Why do we want to put our own children in the position of also needing to relearn to listen to real hunger cues? Research shows that most kids 6 and under eat when they are hungry, but,past that age, we are conditioned to ignore hunger cues, and eat for all sorts of reasons.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
And truly this is my issue. Why can't they go for an hour without a snack? The oranges during the game (or watermelon or whatever) is great. And if we want to do snacks after the fact, so be it. And for those who choose to do Cheeto's and Capri Suns, great! I just don't want my kids to expect it and think it's part of the game itself. Playing and feeling good about doing so is reward enough in my book, that's all I'm trying to say.
jen says
Back in the "old days", when I was growing up, I don't believe we ever had a snack at sports, church, or at Girl scout meetings. Where I was a parent in the nineties, it was typical manners to ask a parent for permission before giving out any snack to children.
Auth says
I have the same problem with birthday snacks at school. Every year, for my daughter's birthday I would bring in some kind of fresh fruit. Sliced watermelon was a huge hit. cantaloupe and fresh strawberries were another. I teach kindergarten and the school policy is the snack has to be "store bought". I cringe when I see the plastic tray of colorful cupcakes. The kids bite off the icing and toss the rest. I feel like the parents think they have to bring in cupcakes. This year, I had a sugar free Valentine's party with no sugar except for the Capri Suns that were brought in instead of the 100% apple juice that was on the request list. I got a lot of ideas from the School Bites website.The kids did not know what they were missing and no wondered why we didn't have chips and cupcakes.
Beth S. says
Last year to make my healthy snack more appealing, I made little labels for them. (read: cut and pasted clip art from the Internet, cut and pasted into a doc, printed, cut out, and stapled to bag--not a lot of work). One team was called the Super Heros, so I found a soccer player wearing a cape and the other was called the Speedy Chickens (I have no idea why!) and I found a cute chicken running. So that way it wasn't just a bag of grapes.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Really cute idea, Beth!
Brooke says
I am a former college soccer player. Some of my favorite memories as a young player was sipping on sunny d's and eating a treat while i ran around with my teammates after the game while the our parents talked. I am currently a very healthy person, and understand that you want your kids to be healthy. But lets be honest once a week after a soccer game will not ruin your child's current or future eating habits. I know unhealthy food is everywhere, but let your kids live a little. After all their metabolisms are only so fast for so long!
Cecilia G says
Totally agree. You can't keep them in a bubble.
Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship says
Brooke - I have to challenge your thinking. Would your memories be any less fun if you were eating a string cheese and a bottle of water? Would you have felt deprived if no adult had told you that you were missing out? My guess? No. YOu would have enjoyed the sunshine, the friends, and the field just as much, whether the snack was healthy or not.
As for a bubble...let's change the world and we won't need one. ;)
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Absolutely agree, Brooke. And trust me - as a total sweets person, my kids are not deprived. I would hate for them to grow up and feel like they missed out. I just don't think that it needs to be expected when they have a short soccer game.
And Cecilia - they can't be in a bubble, you are correct. But I can try to teach them that snacks don't have to go hand-in-hand with playing a short sporting game.
Maleah says
I get this! My girls had done gymnastics, dance, and swimming and never needed a snack. First t-ball practice, just a practice, my 5yo left with a juice box and fruit snacks. Continued at every game and practice! And the worst part, she has a food allergy. So many of the somewhat 'healthier' options all contained something she couldn't eat. The only safe options were the fruit snacks all which contained food dyes. I have one of those kids who reacts to food dyes! Not always a full on tantrum but sometimes if she eats enough. I was amazed that a snack was even needed. Thanks for posting this!
Christine says
I found this fascinating as I too have three active children and have questioned the continual snack at every turn. I am trying hard to move to better food choices for my children and think that if you would like your kid to have a snack after the game that you should just bring your own. Keeps it simple for everyone. Plus when we did soccer, I was so frustrated that after 30 minutes of play we would have a "snack break" before we continued to the final 30 minute of an hour game. Then snack at the end. Although the snack in the middle was always fruit...I don't think that kids need a fruit snack after 30 minutes of playing and then 30 minutes later be given Gatorade and chips.
Sid says
I teach in a public school. My students are pulled out of the room for reading remediation. EVERYDAY they are given candy as a reward for going to this class. When I asked for it to stop I was told…"it's only a few gummis" or "that's the way we do it here" AAAUUUUGGGHHH!!!!! Kids don't need a reward for doing the work that is expected of them.
Jen says
Thank you for this post, I've been really bothered with this subject for the past year as our 5yo son started playing soccer. We live in Hawaii and while I love living here and the aloha of the people, unfortunately the culture here in general is not concerned with real/whole or healthy foods. My son is regularly given at his 30 minute soccer game a fruit during half time and then a bag of food usually to include huge lunchables (with the candy and all) or hotdogs plus chips, cookies, cupcakes, and then kool-aid, capri-sun or Gatorade as a drink. Usually it's many of these items all shoved in a bag...at 9:30 or 10:30 in the morning! I have even had friends whose kids play other sports tell me their kids received an entire McDonald's happy meal as their post game "snack". After reading through these comments I'm glad to see its not this bad everywhere, and also that I'm not the only "mean mom" that shows up with only healthy options (I try to choose 2 real food options to represent 2 different food groups and if we do a drink, which is rare it's organic 100% fruit juice). Doing what I can and my kid loves my choices so that's really all that matters to me at the end of the day.
Amanda says
Thank you for this post. There are two things we keep doing for kids during organized activities that I think are incredibly unhelpful: 1. Always feeding them a snack 2. Always giving them a certificate.
One of my children isn't phased by either. My other child is so obsessed with the snack that it's hard to focus on and just enjoy the activity.
I want my kids to appreciate activities for what they are. They don't need to be fed and they don't need to be rewarded.
Jackie says
What a timely post! This week was my son's turn to bring snack at preschool. Over the course of this year, he has had so many treats masquerading as snacks that he definitely knows the difference between a treat and a healthy snack! Gummi bears were the snack once! This week we brought strawberries, string cheese and water. My husband told me it wouldn't be a fan favorite. Ha.
Eliza says
My kids have played on a few teams like this and something that I would suggest (that I have done) is to volunteer at the beginning to organize the snack signups. The coach will love to have that off his or her plate. (pun intended) You can send out the signup to the parents in an email, and with it give a list of *simple* suggested snacks asking specifically to please stay away from food dyes and added sugar. Make sure to ask about allergies (for one of my kids, unfortunately, it's peanuts.) Then sign up for the first snack, and bring something healthy and easy. Clementines or applesauce squeezers, or mini apples, and if a drink is required, then mini water bottles, or whatever. It's not only healthy but super simple.
Not everyone wants to put in a ton of time on their soccer snack (especially if they have multiple kids in sports), but if they have examples or a list of suggestions that are easy and not pretentious sounding, they may follow suit. Even little bags of Annie's bunny crackers (admittedly, those have sugar) would be better than some of the terrible stuff people bring like go-gurts or "fruit" snacks. But it's still super convenient.
Anyway, just my suggestion of a way to effect change without being seen as bossy or whiny or uppity. (Not that you are. But some seem to think so! :( Remember we're all in this together! :)
Moramay says
I honestly did not enjoy this post; her views seem a little extreme. I'm all for healthy food, which is why I follow this blog in the first place, but I also think our kids will be faced with much tougher choices to make in life than junk food vs. healthy snack. Maybe they just want to give the kids a chance to mingle after the game, so the snack is the way to do it. I think healthy eating is becoming more of a trend these days, so maybe giving her list of healthy snacks to the coach could make a difference. No reason to judge others, maybe parents just follow cues from others, so if a few start to bring healthy snacks, the rest will follow.
Lisa says
I like it. You want to make a change, lead by example.
Megan says
Group snacks are my nemesis. And I don't particularly mind if my kids have gatorade or chips (would prefer healthier, but it doesn't stress me out). My bigger issue is that they don't need it 30 minutes before dinner (or lunch) after barely working off any energy. And if I think they DO, then I should bring what they need relative to the rest of our day/week food consumption.
I was asked to manage the team snacks for one of my kid's teams and I said "sure, that will be easy because I don't believe in it, so consider it managed" Sadly, they gave the job to someone else. ;)
Keely Davis says
As a registered dietitian and a person that tries to feed my family whole foods I'm struggling with this! My son started tee ball (age4) and after all the games they get snow cones...I can't be the mom that doesn't let him have it but its so hard to keep my mouth shut!! Snow cones are the worst possible thing to give these kiddos. My son didn't even know what a snow cone was lol I understand where u are coming from....
Charlotte says
Interesting post! We live Sweden and the league my son plays in has an agreement that the home team will serve snacks to both teams after a game. We (I am one of the coaches)had a coach meeting for all the teams in the league and agreed only fruit would be served. It was felt it was more in keeping with what we are trying to teach the players in terms of health, and was easier because of dairy/gluten etc allergies.
Not a single parent has complained or even commented as far as I know and the players are fine with it.
Lisa says
I actually think snacks are important in rec sports but I caveat this by saying only healthy snacks. This is a time that we can lay the ground work about health and fitness for our kids and teach healthy habits. Physical activity can be taxing on the body and yes a nutritious pre-game meal is important but so is a healthy post work out snack, especially for our little one's growing body. I always bring an apple and nuts (protein and good carbs) to Emily's games. Sometimes she takes the provided treat, sometimes she gives a simple "No thank you" and eats what I have. When she does take the junk she inevitably feels lousy and I tell her why and give her something better to eat. This time of their life should be a positive learning opportunity and only the parents can set that example.
Christy says
Lisa, thank you! I was reading through the comments and thinking that a lot of the posters are approaching this from a "nutrition" angle, but not so much a "sports nutrition" angle. My daughters both play competitive soccer and are at a bit higher age level, so I realize it is a different ball game (no pun intended :). Something to keep in mind, soccer especially is an extremely active sport! They are sprinting, jogging, etc. non-stop for all or most of the game, and it can be incredibly depleting. Their bodies need so much more in the way of extra nutrients. If you start to research nutrition for soccer players, you will find that it plays such an important role in what they do- pre-game eating, post game refueling, carb loading, making healthy choices in general- and it protects their bodies! Again, I realize that kids may not put quite as much energy into a game at a younger recreational level and recharging may not be as necessary, but what better time to teach them healthy habits for atheletes than when they are young. I think if you wait until they are 10-12 and it becomes necessary, you have probably missed the boat. I absolutely agree that junk food is completely unnecessary and has no place in sports, but I don't see post-game snacks (if done the right way) as a reward as many of the posters do, I see them as a potential learning opportunity on nutrition and taking care of your body.
Caitlin says
It surprises me more that they ask people to bring oranges for during the game. Obviously, there's nothing wrong with eating oranges but while they're playing? That doesn't seem necessary. Especially when you think of how muddy and sweaty kids get playing soccer. But I totally agree, snacks are not necessary.
Erin says
Everyone talks about this issue as if it's a once a week issue. If your child is enrolled in 2 after school activities and attends school , it's likely that we're looking at junk food as a shared experience way more often than once a week. In kindergarten, they have a shared snack (often the same ones listed above) daily. Plus birthday cupcakes (25 kids per class means 1 celebration every other week), plus classroom parties. This is not including all the out of school birthday parties/scout meetings/play dates where snacks also are a fixture. We're easily at 7-8 shared snacks per week. That's not an occasional thing. That's a lifestyle.
Sophia says
Erin! EXACTLY!! It's not any single event that's a problem, its the fact that snacking like this can easily become a daily event.
Lulu says
I agree with you 1000%. My chid will survive an hour of recreational sports without a processed snack as a 'reward'. If someone wants to feed their child Cheetos after a game, then they should bring Cheetos for their child. Keep my kid out of it
Jackie says
1. Unless you are performing strenuous activity, sports drinks should not be consumed. They were originally created for professionally athletes, not kids.
2. Rewarding activities with food is a major don't any basic psychology book will tell you.
3. With all the dietary issues children have today, it is safer to have no food.
4. As a person who practices a very strenuous sport, all you need is a bottle of water and a banana.
Emily says
Janet - I absolutely don't think Kiran was saying that snacks in general are bad. But, even as a nanny/ babysitter of many years, I have been in charge and seen the snacks that my charges recieve at the end of or middle of the game and I don't feel comfortable with them eating gushers, fruit roll ups or the assorted at the end of every game. And unfortunately, this is a end of every game kind of thing. I bring cut up fruit and veggies, water and if I am feeling REALLY adventitious I'll make a huge jug of watermelon or some mixed fresh fruit/veggie drink with my juicer. The kids don't have to eat/drink what I bring but at least I know I'm not contributing to childhood obisity. And FYI; I've rarely had a child turn up their nose at something I bring. It's usually the parents who act all weird about it.
Kiran- keep doing what you're doing, sweetie. You inside me every day to eat better and feed the people in my life better. (:
Jena says
Great article. I completely agree! I can't believe what people bring!
I have to say, i find it interesting that if we don't want to feed our kids junk we must think we are better then other parents. Everyone knows chips are junk food. Me not wanting my kids eating it doesn't have anything to do with anyone but my own family. I'm really over people thinking that since i don't do or even agree with what they do that i think i'm better then them. Where is my freedom to choose what i feel is right for my kids? Sorry, but seeing some comments just made me mad.
This subject is just one of the reasons this country is so unhealthy and why parents that want to feed their kids good food struggle.
Sandy says
I totally agree with the post. We just finished our season here in California for my older daughter who is 13. I'm not sure if the older kids play harder but they do have a bigger soccer field to run for 45min. We always had some fruit during half time but after the game was all junk. We did play later in the day when it was way after lunch and not dinner time, so I appreciated the thought. But I think as parents we could come up with better options.
Tamara says
Great article Kiran! Food is a hot topic but it needs to be discussed. I have learned so much from all of you at 100Days and I am sometimes embarrassed that I didn't figure out more earlier, but I guess I didn't know where to look. The earlier in life we educate ourselves and our children about food, the better.
Lisa says
To those who say "it's just one time a week", how long can we keep saying that? My kids are getting crap from teachers at school, at church, at birthday parties, school activities. Everything comes with a treat. And then when do I get to give them my homemade treats when they're getting nothing but junk everywhere they go? It's not "just once" it's that just once on top of every other just once, and it adds up! I don't agree with everything on this blog, but I definitely agree with the ideas that have been given about moving away from constant junk treats and rewards everywhere our kids go. It IS a big deal.
Lisa says
As both a parent and coach of rec and comp soccer - snack time is my least favorite time of the night. At the start of the rec season I have to assign parents to each game to bring snack. I do not believe that kids need snack after practice/games but I go along with it (until I can get it permanently banished across all teams that is!). The association provides us handouts for the parents on healthy snack options (which is great) but of which I think 2 or 3 read. When my child's turn comes up they receive a fruit and possibly a string cheese stick. Every time I have at least 2 non takers and at least one comment on "where's the good stuff?" which makes me incredibly sad.
Comp soccer is different I am able to set the standards in which I said no snack at the first parent meeting to which I received cheers and thank you's. What does that tell me? The majority of parents feel the same way. They are all just going along with it too.
Susan Taylor says
Having lived through about 18 or so seasons of rec and/or select soccer, I hear what you are saying. In the early seasons, I was the weird one who brought something homemade, but still fun, like cookies. When I read your well-meaning post and list of suggested foods, my thought was please don't do that to your kids. Of course you want them to eat healthily, but they also need to learn how to navigate situations where non-healthy foods are offered.
If you REALLY can't let you kid have a bag of Cheetos now and then, it's going to be tough when they get out on their own, because I think it often backfires when we limit things drastically.
Even though we live in a fairly affluent area, not all the families in rec soccer were affluent. I think the people coming just want their kids to have fun, and no one wants to hear that their snacks aren't good enough.
What I'm trying to say is, if you want to elevate the quality of the snacks to be an issue, please work three times as hard to teach your kids how to be gracious and accepting of the many many people who have no idea where you are coming from.
I understand that you are trying to do the very best you can for your children, but this is most likely best handled by discussing it with the coach and having the communication come from him.
I'm pretty darn sure I don't know "everything." I'm just an experienced mom who has learned a lot since baby number one came along one wintry day in 1993.
Karen says
Susan,
Great comment. While I totally understand where the blogger is coming from and respect her point, her tone might have tainted her well-meaning post for some readers. That being, the post was perfect for opening up a great discussion. Do young children really need snacks after playing soccer for one hour? Kiran is right. Probably not.
The best idea is: 1. Fruit at half-time 2. Bring your own after post-game snack if you want one.
I have noticed a few posts about string cheese as a snack suggestion. Really? It is salty and packaged in plastic that strays to the sidelines no matter how hard you try to throw it away. See, we all have different ideas about what is healthy and acceptable. It is important to be respectful and kind to our fellow soccer moms. You are what you eat . . . don't be a sour grape!
Jen says
when I was a kid it wasn't too bad, we'd get a granola bar or something, but now it's kind of out of hand, at least here in Indiana. people give out like treat bags with multiple treats inside and fake juices. I really wish they'd stop but when I say something people think I'm horrible.
Karen M says
I totally agree with you! My 5-year-old played soccer and baseball last year and we were thus faced with this snack issue twice a week. I brought homemade whole wheat banana bread and watermelon slices when it was my turn and it went over very well.
Taryn says
Wow! I would be that mean or better said HEALTHY mom. I'm sorry but a bag of processed chips is not what the body needs to replenish. Plus I fortunately my made the connection between artificial colors and my son's attitude. He is not allowed any food with petroleum food dyes! Amazing the transformation he has undergone this year. I started a facebook page artificial dye free life to help spread the word.
Stephanie says
Taryn,
I just put my daughter on the Feingold program, eliminating all atrificial colors, artificial flavors, and preservatives. I can see a drastic change in her! She is even doing better in school because she can concentrate better without all of that crud in her system. She is only 6.5 years old, and she had the backbone to turn down a Tootsie-Roll the other day! She even questioned the maple syrup my husband gave her for her pancakes this morning because the bottle was a different shape. Kids are smart, and she's starting to realize how much better she feels when she avoids junky foods. People talk about how there is no respect in the younger generation. Well, look at what we are feeding them. Their bodies are overloaded with crap. I'd be snarky and irritable if I ate all that junk too.
kitterlee says
YES! I am so fed up with the crummy snacks served after little league games. And SO disgusted by the expectation that has been created for the kids. Not only do they expect a big snack - they expect the junk food. Cookies, "fruit" snacks and gatorade have all made frequent appearances as well as chips, cheez-its and the like. Not to mention, half the time, these "snacks" are being served at 6:45pm - dinner time.
Your suggestions are great. Thanks!
Angie k says
Totally agree. Our solution was to coach the team. We've been coaching for three years now and requests that all snacks are healthy and we provide examples. We also request only water as the drink. Then I sign up for the first snack to lead by example. We still got some junk food but it helped a lot to set the tone.