Snacks for Soccer. Please help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach asked me to, so shut it.

You mean the parent? Just tell the coach to shut it. End of the game you all are on your time not the coaches time.

no, the coach. i asked him specifically about this and he said do the snack.

so shut it.

(what attitude you have there in bold text. such nasty woman.)

It is my time at the end of the game. If I wish to hang out I will. If I have somewhere else i need to go I will and I do not need to be handing out snacks or waiting to get the snacks as a courtesy when I have somewhere else to be. It is rec soccer not a friggin social club.

The thing about the whole "snack thing" is that it is nice when it is a nice gesture. When things become dictated then they are no longer a nice gesture but a duty that others simply feel obliged to follow or else they look like jerks.

coz you are one, snack or not.

And I guess you like to impose your will on others, snack or not. What does that make you? A bully?

If you want to provide snacks do it, but don't demand that it be a shared experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Coach asked me to, so shut it.

You mean the parent? Just tell the coach to shut it. End of the game you all are on your time not the coaches time.

no, the coach. i asked him specifically about this and he said do the snack.

so shut it.

(what attitude you have there in bold text. such nasty woman.)

It is my time at the end of the game. If I wish to hang out I will. If I have somewhere else i need to go I will and I do not need to be handing out snacks or waiting to get the snacks as a courtesy when I have somewhere else to be. It is rec soccer not a friggin social club.

The thing about the whole "snack thing" is that it is nice when it is a nice gesture. When things become dictated then they are no longer a nice gesture but a duty that others simply feel obliged to follow or else they look like jerks.

coz you are one, snack or not.

And I guess you like to impose your will on others, snack or not. What does that make you? A bully?

If you want to provide snacks do it, but don't demand that it be a shared experience.

I am the PP that is a team coordinator (and not the previous PP, by the way). Look. No one (at least not me, and I'm sure many other volunteer snack moms) is trying to force their will on anyone. Rather, they THINK they are doing the team a service, because they THINK that this is what the team wants. I really can't imagine any snack mom pitching a hissy fit if the majority of parents were to agree on not having a snack. (And I've had 3 kids on every kind of team from rec to travel). I'm betting that "pinterest mom" who sent out a snack signup when some other mom didn't, did so because she figured the other mom was overwhelmed and maybe didn't have the time or desire to do it. I'm sure if pinterest mom knew that most of the parents did NOT want to participate, that this mom would not bother. She'd just use her pinterest skills to create a nice end of year party or something, or maybe bring a fun treat every once in awhile herself if baking is her thing. Point is, if you feel this strongly about it.....OPEN YOUR MOUTH (somewhere other than DCUM) AND SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY IS BEHIND YOU. Otherwise, as the other PP said, it's time to shut it and be thankful you have parents trying their best (right or wrong) for the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I am the PP that is a team coordinator (and not the previous PP, by the way). Look. No one (at least not me, and I'm sure many other volunteer snack moms) is trying to force their will on anyone. Rather, they THINK they are doing the team a service, because they THINK that this is what the team wants. I really can't imagine any snack mom pitching a hissy fit if the majority of parents were to agree on not having a snack. (And I've had 3 kids on every kind of team from rec to travel). I'm betting that "pinterest mom" who sent out a snack signup when some other mom didn't, did so because she figured the other mom was overwhelmed and maybe didn't have the time or desire to do it. I'm sure if pinterest mom knew that most of the parents did NOT want to participate, that this mom would not bother. She'd just use her pinterest skills to create a nice end of year party or something, or maybe bring a fun treat every once in awhile herself if baking is her thing. Point is, if you feel this strongly about it.....OPEN YOUR MOUTH (somewhere other than DCUM) AND SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY IS BEHIND YOU. Otherwise, as the other PP said, it's time to shut it and be thankful you have parents trying their best (right or wrong) for the kids.

I genuinely believe that both you and pinterest mom believe that the majority want snacks and that you are doing the best for the kids. And that's awesome. But what makes you think that that's what the team wants? Did people say that they wanted it? Was there a clamoring at practice for group snacks? Why do you THINK that's what the team wants?
Did you (or coach or team coordinator or pinterest mom) say to the other parents: What do you guys think, should we do a group snack every game or just have individuals handle their own things? If you did, and most people said group snacks are fun, then awesome. Thank you for helping oyur team. If you just *assumed* that people wanted a group snack and took it upon on yourself, then yes, you're trying to force your will on people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I am the PP that is a team coordinator (and not the previous PP, by the way). Look. No one (at least not me, and I'm sure many other volunteer snack moms) is trying to force their will on anyone. Rather, they THINK they are doing the team a service, because they THINK that this is what the team wants. I really can't imagine any snack mom pitching a hissy fit if the majority of parents were to agree on not having a snack. (And I've had 3 kids on every kind of team from rec to travel). I'm betting that "pinterest mom" who sent out a snack signup when some other mom didn't, did so because she figured the other mom was overwhelmed and maybe didn't have the time or desire to do it. I'm sure if pinterest mom knew that most of the parents did NOT want to participate, that this mom would not bother. She'd just use her pinterest skills to create a nice end of year party or something, or maybe bring a fun treat every once in awhile herself if baking is her thing. Point is, if you feel this strongly about it.....OPEN YOUR MOUTH (somewhere other than DCUM) AND SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY IS BEHIND YOU. Otherwise, as the other PP said, it's time to shut it and be thankful you have parents trying their best (right or wrong) for the kids.

I genuinely believe that both you and pinterest mom believe that the majority want snacks and that you are doing the best for the kids. And that's awesome. But what makes you think that that's what the team wants? Did people say that they wanted it? Was there a clamoring at practice for group snacks? Why do you THINK that's what the team wants?
Did you (or coach or team coordinator or pinterest mom) say to the other parents: What do you guys think, should we do a group snack every game or just have individuals handle their own things? If you did, and most people said group snacks are fun, then awesome. Thank you for helping oyur team. If you just *assumed* that people wanted a group snack and took it upon on yourself, then yes, you're trying to force your will on people.

At the start of every rec season, there is usually an informal gathering of parents after the first practice where the coach hands out a printout of the game schedule, and talks about how he or she is looking for another parent to potentially help out at practices or games, and communicates any other team information and takes questions. It is usually at this point that the coach also says they are looking for a parent to help coordinate the team snacks and parties, etc. It is at this point that PARENTS should speak up if they don't want snacks (or any other concerns they may have about the team). It's not the duty of the volunteer to take a vote on things that the coach has requested.

Really, it's no different than the role (that this same parent also usually takes on) in collecting money for the end of season coach gift (which I honestly find way more awkward than simply sending out a snack sign-up). Both things (snacks and gift money) are COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY. Yes, you probably feel awkward if you don't sign up or contribute. But honestly, there are only 8 games in a season and usually 12 families on a team, so already there are going to be 4 families that don't sign up for snacks. And there are usually at least 25% of parents that don't contribute to a coach gift for one reason or another. My kids are on plenty of teams where I am not the coordinator, and there are seasons where I miss the snack sign-up or I accidentally miss contributing to the coach gift. It's no big deal, I don't feel "put upon", I don't feel forced into anything or like I'm viewed as a jerk. Honestly, I don't care either way about snacks. It's weird to me that you do. But again, if you think I'm the odd one out and most people hate snacks, don't blame others, just speak up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I am the PP that is a team coordinator (and not the previous PP, by the way). Look. No one (at least not me, and I'm sure many other volunteer snack moms) is trying to force their will on anyone. Rather, they THINK they are doing the team a service, because they THINK that this is what the team wants. I really can't imagine any snack mom pitching a hissy fit if the majority of parents were to agree on not having a snack. (And I've had 3 kids on every kind of team from rec to travel). I'm betting that "pinterest mom" who sent out a snack signup when some other mom didn't, did so because she figured the other mom was overwhelmed and maybe didn't have the time or desire to do it. I'm sure if pinterest mom knew that most of the parents did NOT want to participate, that this mom would not bother. She'd just use her pinterest skills to create a nice end of year party or something, or maybe bring a fun treat every once in awhile herself if baking is her thing. Point is, if you feel this strongly about it.....OPEN YOUR MOUTH (somewhere other than DCUM) AND SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY IS BEHIND YOU. Otherwise, as the other PP said, it's time to shut it and be thankful you have parents trying their best (right or wrong) for the kids.

I genuinely believe that both you and pinterest mom believe that the majority want snacks and that you are doing the best for the kids. And that's awesome. But what makes you think that that's what the team wants? Did people say that they wanted it? Was there a clamoring at practice for group snacks? Why do you THINK that's what the team wants?
Did you (or coach or team coordinator or pinterest mom) say to the other parents: What do you guys think, should we do a group snack every game or just have individuals handle their own things? If you did, and most people said group snacks are fun, then awesome. Thank you for helping oyur team. If you just *assumed* that people wanted a group snack and took it upon on yourself, then yes, you're trying to force your will on people.

At the start of every rec season, there is usually an informal gathering of parents after the first practice where the coach hands out a printout of the game schedule, and talks about how he or she is looking for another parent to potentially help out at practices or games, and communicates any other team information and takes questions. It is usually at this point that the coach also says they are looking for a parent to help coordinate the team snacks and parties, etc. It is at this point that PARENTS should speak up if they don't want snacks (or any other concerns they may have about the team). It's not the duty of the volunteer to take a vote on things that the coach has requested.

Really, it's no different than the role (that this same parent also usually takes on) in collecting money for the end of season coach gift (which I honestly find way more awkward than simply sending out a snack sign-up). Both things (snacks and gift money) are COMPLETELY VOLUNTARY. Yes, you probably feel awkward if you don't sign up or contribute. But honestly, there are only 8 games in a season and usually 12 families on a team, so already there are going to be 4 families that don't sign up for snacks. And there are usually at least 25% of parents that don't contribute to a coach gift for one reason or another. My kids are on plenty of teams where I am not the coordinator, and there are seasons where I miss the snack sign-up or I accidentally miss contributing to the coach gift. It's no big deal, I don't feel "put upon", I don't feel forced into anything or like I'm viewed as a jerk. Honestly, I don't care either way about snacks. It's weird to me that you do. But again, if you think I'm the odd one out and most people hate snacks, don't blame others, just speak up.

well said.

5-yo DD loves both (soccer & team snack) and i'm happy either enhances her love of this activity and the experience.

[Anonymous]

Thrilled both coaches for teams mys are in said no to snacks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm the team manager/assistant coach, and the one who sends out the snack signups. The girls love the snacks and the parents seem happy to participate, so I've always done the signup genius. If someone doesn't want to sign up, we just don't have snacks that week, though that's never happened.

Now I'm paranoid that the parents secretly hate me for "making" them bring snacks they don't want to bring. (we bring juice boxes of flavored water and fun size bags of chips and cookies, nothing fancy.) Most of the parents on our team are two-high-earner couples in big houses, so I imagine that cost isn't the issue.

They don't hate you but many are annoyed. It's not about the money. Yes, my kids love the snacks but we are going home and I'm not letting them eat it in the car. We have to leave quickly since the next team is arriving for their game and there is limited parking. Our drive home takes two minutes. They don't need your flavored water, chips and cookies when they still have their water bottles from the game. Don't worry, when it is my turn I will bring snacks so I'm not the one parent not participating. I would speak up but we were not asked to vote and were assigned snack days.

[Anonymous]

I didn't know so many parents were anti snack. My kids loved it u7 and below. I would munch on some extra snacks too. Oh well to each their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the team manager/assistant coach, and the one who sends out the snack signups. The girls love the snacks and the parents seem happy to participate, so I've always done the signup genius. If someone doesn't want to sign up, we just don't have snacks that week, though that's never happened.

Now I'm paranoid that the parents secretly hate me for "making" them bring snacks they don't want to bring. (we bring juice boxes of flavored water and fun size bags of chips and cookies, nothing fancy.) Most of the parents on our team are two-high-earner couples in big houses, so I imagine that cost isn't the issue.

They don't hate you but many are annoyed. It's not about the money. Yes, my kids love the snacks but we are going home and I'm not letting them eat it in the car. We have to leave quickly since the next team is arriving for their game and there is limited parking. Our drive home takes two minutes. They don't need your flavored water, chips and cookies when they still have their water bottles from the game. Don't worry, when it is my turn I will bring snacks so I'm not the one parent not participating. I would speak up but we were not asked to vote and were assigned snack days.

You don't understand. YOU need to speak up. YOU need to take it upon yourself to get the conversation going and see if other people feel the same way that you do, and that will create the situation for a vote or an obvious majority situation that doesn't even need to vote. I guarantee you that no one would waste their time coordinating this if they knew it caused annoyance. The snack mom is just doing what was asked for by the coach, or repeating what was done in a previous season where it was asked for by the coach. Parents like snack moms are trying to be helpful and supportive of the coach's requests because when coaches don't feel the support from the parents, they are much less likely to volunteer their time in future seasons, and many rec teams have a hard time getting anyone to coach.

[Anonymous]

For those that are mildly annoyed about the whole post-game snack thing: Grow up, and be a parent. If you can't snap yourself out of it then please get counseling.

This stuff is just starting. You need decide if you are going to be a positive part of your kid's life or not. There are at least 15 years worth of activities, sports, events, concerts, exhibitions, and ceremonies ahead of you. Get involved and keep it fun. You may find that you make lifelong friends doing that. You may find that you enjoy coaching, teaching, set construction, fundraising, organizing, or just plain helping out where needed. And if you don't enjoy it - fake it. I've got an Eagle Scout and a Life Scout who think I love camping because I volunteer to go when they need more adults. I Hate it. But I love that they love it and I get to hang around so we share some experiences. We wear lots of hats along the way but so do most parents that we know. The kids of those parents are not perfect but on the whole the get into far less trouble than kids whose parents are not involved in what they are doing.

You don't have to be Mama Rose, but you do have to be involved and positive about their activities. If hanging out for an extra 15 minutes after a game talking to other parents while kids run around drinking juice and eating a granola bar is too burdensome to endure then you and your kid are doomed unless you change that - quickly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm the team manager/assistant coach, and the one who sends out the snack signups. The girls love the snacks and the parents seem happy to participate, so I've always done the signup genius. If someone doesn't want to sign up, we just don't have snacks that week, though that's never happened.

Now I'm paranoid that the parents secretly hate me for "making" them bring snacks they don't want to bring. (we bring juice boxes of flavored water and fun size bags of chips and cookies, nothing fancy.) Most of the parents on our team are two-high-earner couples in big houses, so I imagine that cost isn't the issue.

They don't hate you but many are annoyed. It's not about the money. Yes, my kids love the snacks but we are going home and I'm not letting them eat it in the car. We have to leave quickly since the next team is arriving for their game and there is limited parking. Our drive home takes two minutes. They don't need your flavored water, chips and cookies when they still have their water bottles from the game. Don't worry, when it is my turn I will bring snacks so I'm not the one parent not participating. I would speak up but we were not asked to vote and were assigned snack days.

probably the lamest anti-team snack excuse yet

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For those that are mildly annoyed about the whole post-game snack thing: Grow up, and be a parent. If you can't snap yourself out of it then please get counseling.

This stuff is just starting. You need decide if you are going to be a positive part of your kid's life or not. There are at least 15 years worth of activities, sports, events, concerts, exhibitions, and ceremonies ahead of you. Get involved and keep it fun. You may find that you make lifelong friends doing that. You may find that you enjoy coaching, teaching, set construction, fundraising, organizing, or just plain helping out where needed. And if you don't enjoy it - fake it. I've got an Eagle Scout and a Life Scout who think I love camping because I volunteer to go when they need more adults. I Hate it. But I love that they love it and I get to hang around so we share some experiences. We wear lots of hats along the way but so do most parents that we know. The kids of those parents are not perfect but on the whole the get into far less trouble than kids whose parents are not involved in what they are doing.

You don't have to be Mama Rose, but you do have to be involved and positive about their activities. If hanging out for an extra 15 minutes after a game talking to other parents while kids run around drinking juice and eating a granola bar is too burdensome to endure then you and your kid are doomed unless you change that - quickly.

Couldn't agree more.

[Anonymous]

Yes to 21:00. We're all busy, we all have errands, most of us have jobs, many of us have multiple activities, but life is so much easier and nicer when you actually have some semblance of a relationship with the other parents at your child's activities. We love the parents and kids on our soccer teams. I've really come to enjoy the company of the moms and dads who are involved with our girl scout troop. The other moms at our dance class are nice - and if I don't feel like socializing one week or need to catch up on something, I hit Starbucks instead of sitting in the waiting room.

Yes, you can be one of those parents who drops your kid off at an event, doesn't speak to anyone, expects your kid's coach or troop leader to basically be a free babysitter for 90 minutes. Or you can actually get involved, just a little bit. I think sometimes the first kind of parents are the ones who are complaining about feeling alienated and isolated. (I also wonder if some parental eating disorders are at play if you're so opposed to 100-200 calories of snacks after a 45-minute athletic activity.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes to 21:00. We're all busy, we all have errands, most of us have jobs, many of us have multiple activities, but life is so much easier and nicer when you actually have some semblance of a relationship with the other parents at your child's activities. We love the parents and kids on our soccer teams. I've really come to enjoy the company of the moms and dads who are involved with our girl scout troop. The other moms at our dance class are nice - and if I don't feel like socializing one week or need to catch up on something, I hit Starbucks instead of sitting in the waiting room.

Yes, you can be one of those parents who drops your kid off at an event, doesn't speak to anyone, expects your kid's coach or troop leader to basically be a free babysitter for 90 minutes. Or you can actually get involved, just a little bit. I think sometimes the first kind of parents are the ones who are complaining about feeling alienated and isolated. (I also wonder if some parental eating disorders are at play if you're so opposed to 100-200 calories of snacks after a 45-minute athletic activity.)

Agree on this point. Not sure why this thread is still going however I am drawn to it to see the next interesting post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes to 21:00. We're all busy, we all have errands, most of us have jobs, many of us have multiple activities, but life is so much easier and nicer when you actually have some semblance of a relationship with the other parents at your child's activities. We love the parents and kids on our soccer teams. I've really come to enjoy the company of the moms and dads who are involved with our girl scout troop. The other moms at our dance class are nice - and if I don't feel like socializing one week or need to catch up on something, I hit Starbucks instead of sitting in the waiting room.

Yes, you can be one of those parents who drops your kid off at an event, doesn't speak to anyone, expects your kid's coach or troop leader to basically be a free babysitter for 90 minutes. Or you can actually get involved, just a little bit. I think sometimes the first kind of parents are the ones who are complaining about feeling alienated and isolated. (I also wonder if some parental eating disorders are at play if you're so opposed to 100-200 calories of snacks after a 45-minute athletic activity.)

Agree on this point. Not sure why this thread is still going however I am drawn to it to see the next interesting post.

All of the above can be accomplished without a snack.