Valentine’s Day Class Parties

[#1]

Remember back when you were a kid, and getting Valentines-- especially those signed “your secret admirer”–was such a thrill? It’s still a fun holiday, and many schools celebrate with classroom parties. I’m the volunteer wellness coordinator for Tim’s elementary school, and part of my job is helping kids (and parents) keep nutrition in mind, even during classroom parties. Sure, V-Day is heavy on the candy and sweets, but parties don’t have to be a total junk-food fest. Our school’s approach is to keep the focus on fun, not only on food, and to offer choices. So when classrooms host a party, there is always a game or craft project. And we limit it to one “treat” food–like heart-shaped cookies for kids to decorate–but we request that treats be reasonably-sized, not cookies that are as big as kids’ heads. To balance out the treats, we offer healthier options, too. For Tim’s party, one parent is bringing a bowl of strawberries and another is making a veggie platter that will feature red pepper strips and grape tomatoes, keeping with the color theme of the holiday. Soft drinks aren’t allowed at Tim’s school, so it’s usually water, juice or milk. I’m bringing milk and coloring it red. It sounds goofy, but at Halloween and other holiday parties I’ve hosted, I’m always amazed how much kids clamor for milk when it’s a different color! I’m thinking red will be a hit for Valentine’s Day. Plus, what goes better with cookies than milk?

[#2]

This is a great post!  I'm preparation for my twins class party tomorrow the 12th, it promoted me to reflect on my childhood.  We always had milk with our class party or snack.  I think the past few parties my children have had they were served high sugar juices.  Needless to say I'll be bringing a large jug of Vitamin D milk to the party tomorrow. 

Thanks for the great post!

[#3]

Daisy,

 Great comment! Thanks for reading! Oh I know, don't the kids' classroom parties totally bring you back to your youth? It's so funny because I remember the focus of my classroom parties being more so on the crafts or art projects than anything food-related! I honestly can't remember if we even had food aside from maybe one little cookie or candy treat that the teacher would pass around to each student. Unfortunately, the sugar highs from today's holiday parties seem almost inevitable!  At least you are doing your part and bringing the milk. Way to go Vitamin D!  Hope you enjoy your twins' V-Day party. You'll have to come back and tell us if there were any signs of more "healthy" snack alternatives at the bash! Let's hope!!!