After Game Snacks

One of the great things about spring is baseball and softball season. I'm not the most, over-the-top-go-get-em mom who thinks my six year old is the next World Series pitcher but I really enjoy seeing my kids have fun. It's an added bonus that they are learning to be part of a team.

As team sports go there is a group snack after every game. And all too often I cringe at what my kids are being given. Donuts, lollipops and gatorade does not equal anything good for anyone. I am still surprised that so many people think we need to give our kids--and someone else's kids-- "treats" at every opportunity. What kind of habits are we creating, people? After a good workout do you inhale a maple bar and down a hot chocolate?

I don't equate snack time with plain, dry rice cakes either. There are so many things you can give kids that are healthy and most importantly nourishing. If you want to give them a treat, add a sticker or a washable tattoo or a baseball card or .... You get my drift. A lot can be said for presentation.

Out of our nest I try to fly under the radar and keep our family choices ours. It's not my mission to change everyone else's bad habits. I have my hands full enough here. We are focused on trying to teach our wee ones the importance of making good choices--even with other options available. I try not to make everyone else adopt my philosophy but when possible, provide creative options. We save the treats for special times--not after a sports games. (Read: lifestyle habits being formed here.)
So, if you find yourself in the same position, try sending this out to your team. One of my son's coaches forwarded this to me. It gives parents a good guideline and framework for choosing snacks that they are sharing with other people's children. We can all benefit from a pointer, right?

If you are interested in more ideas, go here, here, and here for starters.