Halloween Candy

[Anonymous]

How would you feel if your child's preschool teacher (3 and 4 year old class) sent an email to the families stating that they don't want any children bringing in candy from Halloween in their lunches? We are not talking like just candy bars that have peanuts in them because if food allergy issues as clearly that is a whole different thing and that makes sense. Just telling you no candy AT ALL.

[Anonymous]

I think that's reasonable. Our preschool has a no candy with lunch policy period, not just after Halloween.

[Anonymous]

I would be absolutely fine with it.

[Anonymous]

Totally appropriate. Why would you be sending in candy for a preschooler's lunch?

[Anonymous]

My preschool had this policy. I was not aware of it until I sent in 1 Hersheys Kiss in a lunch box and it was confiscated. Not a big deal to avoid but why were cookies ok?? Just have it at home.

[Anonymous]

Fine by me.

[Anonymous]

First time mom? Part of it is to prevent lunch squabbles. Kids 3 years old are not known for their ability to reason. Some kids (without candy) might be very upset if they are seated next to a kid with candy. Plus, it’s just not necessary to pack it for lunch.

[Anonymous]

Very normal rule. Even in elementary school, they ask parents not to send candy in kids’ lunches or for snack.

[Anonymous]

An email like that would make me very very happy

[Anonymous]

I've never heard of being allowed to send in candy with lunches.

[Anonymous]

I'm actually the preschool teacher who sent this email I just wanted to get parent's perspective without mentioning I'm the teacher at first. I had one parent get really upset with me because her reasoning was well I'm the parent I should be able to decide what my own child can and can't eat as long as it's not due to allergy issues. I do understand her point but at the same time all of the sugar from the candy causes the kids to become very hyper and we are the ones who have to deal with the after math not the parents since we are with them immediately after lunch.

[Anonymous]

This sounds reasonable to me also. Our Charter (PK3-5th grade) has a "no candy" policy the entire school year as well.

[Anonymous]

Normal.

-Mom of an 18 and 14 yo and got these notes when they were little

[Anonymous]

I support you in this, OP. One thing you might do (if you don't already) is explain the reasoning behind the request up front. That might head off messages like the one you mention from the parent who got upset. Not all the time, but I've found most people are very reasonable if they are given the "why" and not only the flat directive with no explanation.

[Anonymous]

Our school allowed a single treat on Monday, but in general, no treats in lunches.

As a parent who is pretty liberal with treats in general, I have no problem with a policy that helps children eat in a healthier manner. My kid can survive just fine without a treat at lunch - she can have it right after school, or before school, or after dinner, or any other time.

Not all kids have treats in their lunch, and it’s hard for educators to monitor who has a treat and to make sure they eat it at an appropriate time. They also need checking to make sure they are school safe.

Our teacher believes very strongly on healthy diet =healthy minds, and I support that. I don’t even send in cookies, but that’s a personal choice. There’s a jillion other hours a week to offer treats.