As a medical professional and a parent, I feel compelled to address a growing concern among caregivers: the incessant need for post-competition snack bags. While I may land on some sort of “unfit parent” list for voicing this opinion, the issue requires attention, and I’m ready to tackle it head-on.
The Rationale Behind Snack Bags
First, let’s consider the rationale behind these snack bags. Why does little Emma require a snack after playing just an hour of soccer? Is she at risk of starvation? Did she really expend enough energy to justify a snack? I doubt she burned thousands of calories while chasing butterflies on the field instead of focusing on the game. Must I really prepare, portion, decorate, and distribute snacks for children who aren’t even mine? Or is this merely another way to spend an additional $30?
Every sports season my children have participated in has involved a rotation of parents assigned to provide snacks and drinks for the team. This is understandable for tournaments where meals might be missed. However, I’m talking about Saturday morning basketball games that last 45 minutes—snack required; hour-long soccer matches—snack required; and even Rebekah’s t-ball game, which wraps up in five innings—snack required. There’s simply no justification for providing snacks after events that are shorter than a typical children’s television program. Additionally, when younger children play, every team member gets a chance to participate, so it’s not as if your child is on the field the entire time. Regardless, they do not need a snack.
The Complexity of Snack Requirements
Moreover, the snack requirements themselves are another layer of complexity. They are expected to be healthy (because what child wants to munch on a fresh apple after a game?) and allergen-free (a valid concern, so no offense to those with allergies). I’ve seen children turn their noses up at the healthy snacks parents painstakingly prepare because they deem them “gross.” In such situations, perhaps that child should be pointed toward the nearest water fountain instead.
It raises the question: who initiated this trend? Is young Bobby unable to finish a game without the promise of a nutritious snack bag that he will likely discard?
The Extravagance of Gift Bags
And don’t get me started on the gift bags at major competitions. My daughter participates in gymnastics, and this year, we introduced a snack bag for the girls following their meets. To be clear, these meets often last around four hours, during which they miss meals. I’m all for providing something to nibble on while awaiting the award ceremony. My daughter, Ava, often excels, and I support her need for a post-event snack.
However, I’ve noticed that other gyms arrive with extravagant amounts of snacks and gifts, transforming what should be a simple treat into an extravagant affair. The effort put into these bags is sometimes over-the-top, with decorations fit for royalty. The most bewildering part? When little Sarah tosses her entire gift bag aside without a second thought, despite the time and resources that went into preparing it. Would it hurt to say “thank you” and store the bag to dispose of it later discreetly?
A Call for Simplicity
To the parents who spend excessive time crafting elaborate snack bags, I’d love to know your secret. If you have that much free time, I would gladly send my children your way for a few hours. Some might argue, “I just love doing this for my little Isabella; she enjoys seeing what I put together.” But this mentality could set her up for unrealistic expectations later in life.
Must we revert to a time where children engaged in chores and homework independently? When the only snack option was whatever was left on the dinner table? How many of you received a snack bag after sporting events if you grew up in the 1980s or earlier? Not a single hand raised, right? We survived just fine without those snacks. No child perished from hunger or malnutrition. There was often a snack stand at these events raising funds for schools or leagues, and winning was celebrated with a treat or a simple pat on the back. Losing? You got nothing. It’s called motivation, and it’s part of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while post-event snacks may seem harmless, they can perpetuate unrealistic expectations and entitlement in our children. Let’s consider the lessons learned through simplicity. For more on preparing for parenthood, check out resources like the CDC’s pregnancy page or explore fertility supplements to enhance your journey.
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