Last week, there was an article in the NY Times about Meme Roth and her fight with her children’s school concerning school birthday parties and cupcakes.
What sets her off is the junk food served on special occasions: the cupcakes that come out for every birthday, the doughnuts her children were once given in gym, the sugary “Fun-Dip” packets that some parent provided the whole class on Valentine’s Day.
“I thought I was sending my kid to P.S. 9, not Chuck E. Cheese,” Ms. Roth, a trim, impassioned 40-year-old from Atlanta, said in an interview. “Is there or is there not an obesity and diabetes epidemic in this country?”
Although I agree with Ms. Roth’s concern, the article outlines the outlandish strategies and infantile behaviour she uses to get her point across. For the complete article, click here.
Those who know me understand that this is my pet issue. I have seen too many children crying because they are trying to eat healthy but are surrounded by so many temptations. In my opinion, schools should be a safe haven. So I drafted a letter to the NY Times and surprising, it was printed in Saturday’s paper! Here is my article below:
TAKING SIDES
IN THE
CUPCAKE WARS
Published: June 19, 2009
Re “Mother’s Fight Against Junk Food Puts a School on Edge,” by Susan Dominus (Big City column, June 16):
As a pediatrician and a child weight loss specialist, I am conflicted about this article. MeMe Roth, the mother “driven mad” by junk food, may not use the best tactics, but her point is right. We are in the midst of a child obesity epidemic. One out of every three children in our country is either overweight or obese. Our schools should be a safe haven for our children.
I have overweight children crying in my office on a daily basis because they are trying to eat well but are confronted with temptations at school. I do believe in all foods in moderation. But our children have plenty of exposure to unhealthy foods outside of school.
In a typical classroom of 26 children, there are up to 26 days of birthday cupcakes to contend with. Then you add in celebrations for holidays, and many classes have a party every week. There are many healthy birthday options, and we can use them to celebrate our children’s birthdays without sacrificing their health.
Joanna Dolgoff
New York, June 16, 2009
I am interested in hearing your thoughts about cupcakes and school birthday parties. I know I am in the minority. I agree that it is perfectly fine for a child to have a cupcake every now and then. The problem is that it becomes more than now and then. Each child’s birthday usually results in two cupcakes- one at the school party and one at the out-0f-school party. Not to mention all the junk food that is thrown at our kids from everywhere else. Is it really necessary to add another temptation? Can’t we celebrate a birthday without eating unhealthy fare?
Next week: my suggestions for healthy birthday celebrations.
Tags: child diet, Child Obesity, child weight gain, cupcake war, cupcake wars, diet, exercise, MeMe Roth, mothers, obese baby, obese child, obese toddler, obesity, overweight child, overweight mother, overweight parent, overweight toddler, overweight woman, parenting, school birthday, school cupcakes, school parties, weight gain, weight loss
I saw your original comment on the NY Times article and followed you back to your blog. I’m glad I did, as you have very interesting information here.
I’m a bit sensitive to this topic these days. One because I’m worried my kids will be overweight and I’d like to prevent that. While my husband and I aren’t obese, we are packing quite a few extra pounds and don’t want our kids to as well. This article and some of the info on your web site has led my husband and I to reevaluate how many desserts we are giving our children each week (it was too many times) and the amount of juice we give.
Secondly, my youngest has food allergies. She’s not in school yet – but I can guarantee you that she won’t be able to eat 85% or more of the treats kids bring in to share. She’ll have to have her own stash of “safe foods.”
I’ve heard that the food allergy moms and the ‘fight against obesity’ moms are teaming up to ban birthday party treats in the classrooms. Two serious issues that are on the rise in our society. Makes sense they would partner together. I just hope they all have it figured out by 2013 when my daughter starts Kindergarten.
Thank you very much for your kind words! I really hope that we are able to make an impact.
When it comes to Birthday parties, tradition and economics seem to trump the notion of healthfulness. I am not for “banning” cupcakes, but I do want to see healthier treats being offered at the same time. Same goes for “safe foods” for children with allergies.
We are beginning to see more fruites and veggies at our Daycare when such parties are organized. That is a good sign.
The idea of a ban is unlikely to work. Rules don’t change hearts and minds.
I agree that parents should offer healthier alternatives for birthday treats but like Twin Toddlers Dad said, “tradition and economics seem to trump the notion of healthfulness.”
He is right. I wish that there was a way to make healthier food alternatives less expensive. If you take a look at foods on the grocery store shelves the least expensive items are the quick and easy high fat foods, nitrate containing meats like hot dogs, and snacks full of sugar, salt or high fructose corn syrup.
25 cup cakes from the local bakery may cost about $3 while a veggie tray would cost closer to $10. Also most children would prefer to pass out cup cakes instead of vegetables.
Another point I am going to make is this. Although I promote eating healthy foods on my blog and as a parent I chose to feed my children whole and organic foods I still believe in the freedoms of this country.
Parents should have the opportunity to chose what they want to pass out for birthday treats at their children’s schools. Some schools are banning sugary snacks but I don’t think that is a good idea. Another option that school districts should do is remove vending machines and along with making physical education a priority they should also include classes in nutrition. Teach our children how to make better food choices.
I agree in freedom. Parents have the right to serve their children anything they want. However, in my opinion, a parent should not have the right to put something in front of my child that I don’t want them to eat. Thanks for writing!
I was amazed at the # of times I was asked to bring in a snack this past year for my first grader! I know have a better understanding of the problem in schools with this concern. Where can I get some kid friendly ideas for a healthier birthday celebration?
Thanks for writing. Here is the link for my list of healthier birthday celebration ideas: bit.ly/msYNz
I hope you put them to good use!