Treats at childcare
Treating children at childcare can sometimes be a challenge. What's truly appropriate, healthy, and responsible?
My name is Cesanne, and besides my administrative duties at Kideo, I'm also an orthomolecular consultant. I'm also a proud mother of a toddler son who also attends Kideo. In this blog, I'd like to share practical tips and ideas to make giving treats at childcare easy, fun, and responsible.
Before we go any further, I want to emphasize that choosing a treat shouldn't be a source of stress or pressure. The treat should reflect your personal preferences and those of the children, without the obligation to meet external expectations. It should be a choice you enjoy making and that reflects what you and the children truly value.
Why treat responsibly?
Many parents these days opt for treats like small bags of soup or toys to take home. This seems like a convenient solution, as parents can then decide for themselves what their child eats. However, it's questionable whether these treats actually provide the enjoyment we intend. Toys are often forgotten after a few minutes and end up in a corner, while candy often disappears into the parents' hands or the trash. This makes treat-giving less sustainable and less satisfying for both the children giving and the recipients.
Avoiding sweets and unhealthy treats is a smart choice for several reasons:
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Gut health: Young children, especially those aged 0 to 4, have developing intestines. Their digestive systems struggle to handle processed foods like candy, which are high in sugar, E-numbers, and preservatives. These ingredients can burden the intestines and contribute to poor digestion.
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Preventing allergies: It's also important to be aware of allergies and food intolerances. By choosing healthy treats, you minimize the risk of children coming into contact with ingredients they might be allergic to.
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Sustainability: Sustainable treats, such as fruit or homemade treats, have a lower environmental impact and are often healthier. Avoiding disposable toys and candy reduces waste and promotes a more conscious approach to consumption.
And what about the guides?
At Kideo, celebrations are frequent, meaning staff members are often showered with treats like cake, chocolate, and cookies. While these treats are appreciated, there are other, more thoughtful ways to thank and appreciate staff members.
For example, choose healthy and sustainable gifts . Think of reusable water bottles or fair-trade products that contribute to the well-being of the caregivers and simultaneously support their daily routine.
Additionally, gifts with lasting value can add a special touch. Consider educational books or personalized items that are both useful and contribute to a positive work experience. Sustainable and eco-friendly gifts also help reduce the environmental impact, sending an extra valuable message and contributing to a healthier planet.
By choosing sustainable and thoughtful treats, you contribute to a positive and responsible culture within childcare. This makes the treats not only more enjoyable but also much more meaningful.
Isn't it much more fun to eat your treat right away?
At Kideo, we choose not to celebrate birthdays with treats in the baby group (ages 0-1). This conscious decision is intended to ensure the health and development of our littlest ones. Babies don't need extra treats because their nutritional needs are fully met by breast milk, follow-on formula, and solid foods. Adding treats can disrupt their nutritional balance and isn't necessary for their growth.
For older children aged 2 to 4, sharing treats makes a big difference. Seeing their friends' joy adds an extra layer of fun. Choosing fruit or raw vegetables as a treat is a good idea. These choices are not only healthy but also support a balanced diet and sustainability.
As an orthomolecular advisor, I recommend choosing natural and unprocessed foods that help children stay healthy and energetic. It's wise to discuss any dietary preferences or restrictions within the group with the staff so you can choose a treat that meets the needs of all the children.
Do you have any tips?
I hear you thinking, "Nice story, but I want some tips too!" Perhaps you're wondering, "What can I make or give now?"
Here are some practical ideas for healthy treats and sustainable suggestions you can offer the group. For parents who want to contribute something to the group, which can also be a truly fun and meaningful addition:
Fruit in Ice Cream Cones or Paper Cups- Why: Presenting fruit in a playful way makes it more appealing to children and encourages them to try different types of fruit.
- How: Make a large bowl with a colorful mix of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, apples, and melon. Let the children eat the fruit from a (sugar-free) ice cream cone or a cheerful paper container. This is not only fun but also reduces the use of disposable materials.
- Why: This is a creative way to get kids to eat fruits and vegetables by presenting them in a fun shape.
- How: Cut a cucumber into a crocodile shape and use pieces of banana and kiwi for the eyes and teeth. Use small pieces to prevent the treat from being too large or difficult for young children to eat.
- Why: Plants like the Areca Palm or the Peace Lily can purify the air in the group room and create a healthier learning environment.
- How: Choose an easy-care plant and have the children help care for it. This promotes both a sense of responsibility and healthy air quality.
- Why: Picture books can be a great way to enrich children's reading experience.
- How: Consult with the teacher about which books are already available and which themes may be missing.
Whether you choose a playful fruit presentation or a sustainable contribution to the group, there are plenty of ways to make healthy treats and responsible gifts fun and appealing to the kids.
I'm so curious about your creative treat creations. Have you made something special for a birthday, a party, or just a fun treat at school?
Send a photo of your masterpiece to webwinkel@kideo.nl , and you might see your creation shine on our social media or even our website! You can also tag us on Instagram with #kideotraktatie so we can admire your artwork and share it with our community.
Don't forget to visit our website for more information about our nutritional policy and healthy treat ideas.
For personal tips and inspiration about (children's) nutrition, you can follow me on Instagram via @cesannes_healthy_food or visit my website cesanneshealthyfood.com.
Lots of love,
Cesanne
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