Group snack in school

mommyof4boys

My youngest is in an all day autism program in preschool.  They do group snacks that we all contribute to.  One of the kids is allergic to peanuts. My son is allergic to soy and has a genetic syndrome that is associated with over-eating, etc.  

I've sent in healthy foods for our part of group snack but I'm seeing notes home saying other parents have sent in Oreos, etc.  I don't want to send in a snack and single out my son so on the days they get junk in school I don't let him have at home.  

I am kinda miffed about sending in junk food for group snack.  Anyone else have a similar problem?  At home I do let junk food but not often.  My kids think they get milkshakes and they have fruit smoothies.  They snack on veggies and dip, fruit, etc. 

Zenya

This has been discussed multiple times.

There are 2 camps:

camp 1 - ZOMG you are so right!!  My kids had organic home made locavore kale chips 2 months ago and I STILL feel guilty!!!  I can't believe the lower class fatties that bring cookies for snack!

camp 2 - Chill out. 

mommyof4boys

My issue isn't the "organic" thing, it's more of the genetic syndrome has a level of over-eating thing and he's on the larger side to begin with.  I have no issue with junk food.  It's that my kids is in the 95% for weight and he doesn't know when to stop eating.  We've had to re-think how we do things.  I am trying hard to not isolate him more than he already is.

Zenya

yes of course.  I get it.  I just was pointing out that this is discussed a lot and it's always a giant disaster.  

eta:  personally I would just note what they get for snack and adjust the rest of your day accordingly.  that's what I do with my kids (not re: their snack but re: our whole day.  If we eat out for lunch we have a sandwich for dinner, etc). 

ghm

Does the teacher know about the overeating? Can she limit the amount he gets?

mommyof4boys

I will have to talk to her.  I'm assuming they do limit at school.  I had given them all what I had on the 16p11.2 syndrome when he was diagnosed.

shopgirl78

This topic has been played out. : ) 

I agree though, I would be annoyed with very sugary snacks esp in an Autism classroom.  Where I presume some children or non-verbal and have severe behaviors associated with Autism.  From the way I see it you have three options:

1. send your own snack everyday (which further pulls your son from a group activity which is so needed for those with Autism)...I don't know his level of functioning, would he noticed, would he throw a fit if he sees other with a perhaps in his mind "preferred" snack...

2. Petition the teacher for healthier snacks (with an Autism classroom I'd probably do this) and I would think the teacher would agree.  There are a lot of studies showing the behaviors associated with Autism and dietary intake.  

3. Let it go (what I would do in a regular classroom) 

FWIW, I often sub in SPH/LIFE and Autism classrooms (because I work with group homes) and its the same in the junior high classrooms.   I've observed little debbie cakes handed out and donuts.  It's going to be a battle for a while (at least if you live around here).  

shouldbworkin

I don't really participate in group snack b/c of DD's FA's.  I sign up for one day here or there b/c they like to include DD when there is a fruit/veggie snack she can eat.  Can you try that route?  FWIW, I never contributed to snack at her old school and send in her own each week b/c they didn't try to include her when they could.  That worked out fine for us too.