Will banning cupcakes in schools for birthday celebrations solve childhood obesity?
To fight childhood obsesity should cupcakes and other treats be banned from birthday celebrations at school?
Tammy Mayrend | Contributor
As a parent who makes homemade cakes and cupcakes from scratch for every birthday celebration at school and at home, I was disappointed to hear that some Michigan schools are banning cupcakes to fight childhood obesity. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that a generation of children is going to have problems due to their weight, and that ultimately society has to pay for it. However I don't think that the occasional cupcake is causing this problem. Ultimately it is kids having bad eating habits, overall, and not enough exercise.
As a child I played outside from dawn until dusk, only coming in when my parents insisted. The current generations are not getting outside to play, have less gym time in school and sit in front of the television, computer monitor or with a handheld gaming system for hours on end. So why are schools banning cupcakes instead of other solutions? Are there better solutions to help children eat better? Does your child attend a school where birthday treats have been banned?
My opinion is that children only get to be kids for a short window of time. Since the focus on birthdays lessens as the years pass, why not let them have their cake and eat it while they are young and solve the issue with more time outdoors, exercising and parents teaching their children to make better choices overall, with less processed foods and lots of healthy fresh fruits and vegetables!
Tammy Mayrend is a Ann Arbor search marketing professional and mother of two who blogs on low-cost local activities, events, and Ann Arbor area freebies for families at annarbormom.com.
Comments
Kelly
Sun, Nov 21, 2010 : 8:36 p.m.
@proudtobeme.... funny, that isn't how the notices to me from the saline schools read. the school district must give different information to the teachers than the parents. We have been told no sweets what so ever in addition to no birthday celebrations at all. The sweets doesn't seem like a big deal to me at all. But seriously, the kids have snack everyday in class. Is it really that much more work to sing Happy Birthday to a child? I mean, really. Sounds like a little more communication from the district to the parents is in order.
AlphaAlpha
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 3:48 p.m.
All these words, yet, no mention of things such as high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fats, sun phobias, and the near total lack of nutritional education imparted by the schools today. A huge shame which bodes ill for the future.
Lizzeh
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 2:06 p.m.
I admit it. I dislike the cupcakes at my daughter's preschool. It's not an occasional thing. In the beginning of the school year there are parties every week and sometimes twice a week where the parents bring cupcakes and juice for the kids. Snack time is at 11 in the morning. When I pick my daughter up from school for lunch she's a cranky mess and doesn't want lunch. I hate it, but I love the school. I make sugar free cupcakes(I replace the sugar with home made apple sauce that is also sugar free) and add carrots (carrot cupcakes) tht were a major hit with the kids when it was my day to bring the snack. The sugar free brownies(also used applesauce) weren't that big of a hit though. Lol.
Ellen
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 11:21 a.m.
Interesting story! How about alternatives to cupcakes? For my youngest son's b-day, I always make a giant fruit salad, complete with star-fruit (there are no fruit allergies in his class), and serve in waffle bowls. Usually I get a call from a parent saying that their kid is still talking about it. :) I always check with his teacher first, and I help serve and clean up. So far, all his teachers have been cool with it. A friend's son's bday is end of October, so she brings in apples for the class. Banning cupcakes isn't going to end obesity -- Education, exercise, parental involvement, making healthy choices are the key. I think kids should feel special on their birthday. I also appreciate the teacher's comments about disruption in the classroom as well as handling multiple food allergies.
breadman
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 10:40 a.m.
OMGoodness cuocakes have in schools for as long as I know and I was in school. Back in the days Junior High sold Little Debbie products in the lunch line. Many of her cup cakes are loaded with sugar and still are. Duncan Hines sell a less sugar based cake mix and whipped frosting and the kis do not know that if you do not tell them. Kindergarten classes still bring in snacks for snack day and you should see what the parents send for that one. Our snack back in the days were crackers and milk them we used a mat for a nap time. Give a kid a cup cake.
proudtobeme
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 8:10 a.m.
@kelly the Saline district did not ban ALL food,and stickers and such. We are allowed to have one party per month and we must offer healthy choices if we have food. Teachers are not allowed to use candy as rewards anymore but still can have a monthly party (if they choose) and there can be one sweet treat (along with the healthy). They are still allowed to celebrate birthdays in other ways but that would be up to the teacher. I think it's great that we are limiting the crap that gets sent to school. As a teacher I appreciate that I don't have to deal with every birthday and worry about my kids who have allergies,etc. As a parent,I'm glad my kids aren't going to school and getting the junk food a few times a week (as was happening).
jns131
Sat, Nov 20, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.
They took God and prayer out of the classroom. This did not end the problems there. Then they kick a teacher out of a classroom for removing a student who says an anti gay remark. Now they want to ban cupcakes? Where is the justice in all of this? The ritual cupcake is a rite of passage. Just like trick or treating and graduating ceremonies are. I agree with everyone here. I too went outside to play. From dawn to dusk. Time to repeal a lot of what is wrong with todays schools. Now go pick up the cupcake and sing to your hearts content and pray for another good year.
Pizza Man
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 11:40 p.m.
Maybe they should look into how many kids walk to school these day. When I was in k-6 there wasn't a kid that I knew that ever got a ride to or from school. Take a look at the crap parents send in their kids lunch, I bet that is worse than the cupcake once in a while. Not everyone has a birthday during the school year, so I don't know how that is really going to help to keep kids thin.
Jeannie
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 11:01 p.m.
If Saline schools were truly concerned about obesity, it seems they would allow kindergarten kids to have daily recess. Heck, even once a WEEK would be nice! Sorry, but making us walk 1/4 to the bus stops doesn't qualify as actively reducing childhood obesity.
Tammy Mayrend
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 9:05 p.m.
@TopCat - VERY true! @Robyn - I love your comments. I too am a big supporter of moderation. Both of my small children are very healthy weights and are active kids. We certainly go through phases of having more "snack food" in the house but more often that not my kids ask for an apple cut up or other fruit for their choice of snack. It's all about making wise choices. I understand classrooms with food allergies and sensitivities, and can understand a cupcake overkill. I am guessing my son's class must have been a class full of kids with summertime birthdays because we certainly don't have weekly celebrations. Then again he's only in first grade, so maybe I just haven't had years of cupcake making yet...
Ypsisucks
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 8:31 p.m.
My kids teachers love cupcakes, we make sure we bring some for them too.
robyn
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 8:09 p.m.
@ KF - I have to agree with you as far as what that school was doing... Painting with licorice sticks??? LOL! That's a bit - odd. And handing out candy for good behavior or rewards - not good.
casmom
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 8:05 p.m.
Also...a lot if not most teachers don't really like the whole cupcake thing. If usually makes a lot of extra work,mess and headache for teachers who already have enough on their plates.
KF
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.
It's a step in the right direction. We're not talking about the occasional cupcake, but rather 25 cupcakes for 25 kids' birthdays, not to mention holiday parties, and jolly ranchers for good behavior, bake sales to raise money, licorice sticks to paint with, it is excessive! Kids seem fine with limiting (if not outright banning) the junk and replacing it with non-food related goodies, but I think it's the parents who have a hard time giving up those darn cupcakes.
casmom
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:57 p.m.
I couldn't be happier that Saline Schools no longer allow treats at school! I have a child in the fourth grade and for her first 3 years of school she was having birthday treats weekly if not more. Not so occasional! I also appreciate not having to make and transport cupcakes. I know of many other parents who feel the same way.
JPLewis
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.
"Will banning cupcakes in schools for birthday celebrations solve childhood obesity?" No.
robyn
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 7:16 p.m.
It's not the occasional cupcake at school that causes obesity, it's the eating habits at home. Face it - the schools can feed a child carrot sticks and granola all day long - but if that child goes home and eats unhealthy meals, too many snacks or even healthy meals without getting any exercise - they will be overweight anyway. Rather than focusing on taking everything away, kids need to learn to eat in moderation and they need to be active. Something I have noticed with my children's friends when they visit: I buy plenty of snacks, healthy and 'goodies'. We always have cookies, chips, sherbet, candy, etc - as well as plenty of fruit, oatmeal and granola snacks, yogurt and cut veggies available for the kids to snack on. MY kids never over do it on the 'goodies' - they may grab a cookie occasionally - but more often will grab celery sticks and a wedge of soft blue cheese or a piece of fruit. There friends that don't have stuff like that in their house will ALWAYS want the goodies. (I don't let them eat it like it's going out of style or if their parents won't let them have it.) If you deprive kids of EVERYTHING - especially things that they like - they will over do it when they do have the opportunity to have it. Also when they have NO choice - they can't learn to make good choices. Neither of my kids is overweight, both are very healthy (I can't remember the last time either was sick.) and at 10 and 14, neither have ever had a cavity. So I can't say that what they eat is unhealthy. Both of my kids play outside too - ride bikes, play with their friends or our dofs - and both have chores as well as each plays a sport during each 'season'. It's a combination or food and exercise, but that's what kids learn at home - school is not going to change their home life.
Ron
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 6:34 p.m.
I agree with Jessica, the schools have no business telling us what we can eat. If there so concerned, let's drop all food programs at the school. They shouldn't be feeding our kids anyway.
Kelly
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 6:27 p.m.
Last year the Saline School District banned all birthday celebrations in classrooms. This is still ongoing this year. No food, no stickers, no bookmarks, no nothing. extreme. and there are still obese children in the district.
Bulldog
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 5:01 p.m.
I ban all birthday treats in my classroom. I do this for several reasons, with the approval and applause of the parents in my classroom. First of all because of ALLERGIES. There is a real fear for children who have a tree nut or peanut allergy when given a treat. I also have had egg, wheat, milk, strawberry allergies. Then you get religious time periods where there is fasting or restrictions. It gets complicated. On top of that, some children can not afford a treat for their classmates. Students also complain they do not like chocolate or vanilla, mine isn't as big as his, is there a drink? As a teacher in an elementary school I do not need all of this 25+ times in my room. I have a lot to teach and do with the students. I make a birthday t-shirt for each student and we all sign it. The birthday child sits in a special birthday chair and gets special privileges for the day. The students are happy and the trash can is not filled with half-eaten cupcakes parents stayed up late to make or purchase with their hard earned money. Kids get enough treats and can celebrate with their friends and family outside of school when I am not responsible for different diets. It is really sad to have to exclude a seven year old because they can't for whatever reason, eat what the class is having.
Top Cat
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 4:17 p.m.
If kids are outside and active on a daily basis, the obesity problem goes away. Cupcakes in school long preceded the obesity problem.
Eva Johnson
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 2:52 p.m.
On one hand, I see that the schools want to promote nutritious choices, but on the other hand, they push the kids to sell candy bars and other junk food to support field trips. In a neighborhood where I see parents driving their kids to the school bus stop 500 ft away, I can see how the schools are in a no-win situation. However, the cupcakes are just the scapegoat here. I remember with joy the days that I felt like the birthday girl, and I don't want to take that away from my kids.
Melissa Boehling
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 12:09 p.m.
I would agree that this won't solve the true issue at hand. However do think the monthly birthday celebration makes sense for a teacher's time management p.o.v. as well to make sure it's not a cupcake party twice a week. However movement is really the kid. So many kids have the DSs and they will sit parked playing them for hours. Now I'm not saying my children don't play video games. They love the Wii but we almost always try to set a timer so that it doesn't go too long. It can be very easy to let happen especially if the kids are playing the wii or on the computer while you're getting things done around the house. Once the timer goes off its time to switch to other activies whether going outside to play, crafts, music/dancing time (love this as a great way to still get physical playtime regardless of weather), building with Legos, reading, etc.
bluehoo
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 10:50 a.m.
No this won't solve obesity of itself. And yes more exercise options should be encouraged. But another issue with the birthday "party" in classrooms is the disruption to the learning environment. My oldest' (now in college) teachers long ago limited birthday to once a month because it's impossible to plan your week when a parent suddenly shows up with treats. Think about feeding what is increasingly 25-35 little kids some sticky treat, passing them out, eating, cleaning up. This is a lot of learning time lost. Plus it becomes not special when it happens 1-3 times a week. So the monthly event was more looked forward to and special. Yeah, you had to share with 2-5 others--but that was fun in a way too. And the summer birthdays got recognized in Sept or June so they didn't get left out.
Tammy Mayrend
Fri, Nov 19, 2010 : 9:23 a.m.
Thanks for the comments. I think healthier schools is a good thing, however maybe they could have opted for once a month cupcakes to celebrate everyones birthday instead of banning them altogether.
AMOC
Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 11:57 p.m.
The "Healthy Schools" initiative at my sons' elementary school in Ann Arbor went even further than trying to ban cupcakes or other sweet treats for birthdays, and also strongly discouraged pizza parties for classroom celebrations and reduced the availability of pizza at lunch time to once/week. The thing is, in a classroom of 20-25 students, there is going to be at least 1 birthday celebration each week, and usually two so it's not all that "occasional" a treat. The school also encouraged exercise with a running club, and for a while they had a program to encourage game playing / exercise during lunch and recess. While I agree in principle that it's good to offer kids healthy food on a daily basis, I also think there should be room in most kids' diets for an extra treat once or twice a week. I don't think that cupcakes or cookies should be banned as treats for a celebration, though parents may need to be sensitive in their choice of treats to any diabetic children or other children on very limited diets in that classroom.
Jessica
Thu, Nov 18, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.
It is absolutely absurd to believe that banning the rare birthday cupcake at school is going to end obesity. The only thing that is going to end the obesity epidemic (and yes i referred to it as an epidemic because in my mind it IS that bad) is by educating parents, getting kids out of video games and getting some form of exercise, and having schools offer a variety of nutritious foods and take away the a'la cart option that is full of junk food. I am also a 'from scratch' cupcake baker for my 4 yr old and I enjoy doing it, my children are both healthy and active. I'll damned if someone tells me I can't make cupcakes for her on her special day.