High Maintenance Mom

I have to admit that I have been getting a little frustrated lately knowing that there are still caregivers that supply kids with non nutritional, sugar filled foods & snacks. The super markets bombard us with so many nutritious and fun foods that with a little research on the internet or just reading some labels, anyone can fill their kids stomachs with at least semi nutritional foods & snacks. I understand some of the items are expensive but even without those fancier brands, we can give our kids foods that aren't 100% sugar. My daughter's school uses guidelines from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)for their snacks and they are very successful in supplying snacks the kids like. Sugar snacks are not supplied by the school but are allowed via parents for special occasions. Last month my daughter reported snacks of broccoli, carrots, hummus, pita bread, whole wheat crackers, cheese, etc. All were eaten readily by all the 3 year olds. My friend reported to me that her church supplied bowls of fruit loops post Sunday School and since her kids were never given such sugar contaminated snacks, they tried them without much fan fare but were happy to go back to the snacks they grew up with. I suggested to her that she offer to take over and revamp their snack time. Multi Grain Cheerios would had been a better idea than Fruit Loops! So, read the labels, go online and do some research on healthy snacks and then try some on your kids! It may take some time but if you embrace it too (clean out your cabinets filled with sugar cereals, white bread, soda, etc) you'll see it can be fun! I am happy to write up a list of my snack ideas if anyone needs it...just let me know!