My Soapbox

I'm up on my soapbox....that's your warning;) Baby George here is just expressing how I'm feeling.

What's the difference between a snack and a treat? I think there is a difference. To me a snack is a healthy small meal and a treat is sugar or carbs that you don't really need but like to indulge in from time to time.

My issue is with the amount of treats given to kids (mine included) after activities/sports. I first noticed it a few years ago when Mr. P began soccer. After each game (30 minute) the players were given a "snack" and a drink. The premise was that they needed something after expending so much energy. Huh? Each parent signed up for a week and was responsible to bring the team snack. Some parents did do healthy but most of it was sugary juice and processed stuff.

Now that we have gone through soccer, t-ball, gymnastics and swimming I'm really getting perplexed by the amount of junk food as a reward for physical activity. Each of the previous listed activities ends with a treat being given. Swimming at least was only given on the last session. But....I just don't like all this junk and treats. Shouldn't the "reward" be the fun time they had playing...the great job they did?

In a nation that is FAT and getting FATTER all the time...should this be a trend we want to hang on to? Think back to your childhood...did you get a treat after each game or activity? I know I didn't...and I didn't miss it either. I would rather bring my child a bottle of water and give them a healthy snack as I see fit when and if they are hungry...not treats as rewards.