Popcorn

How do you feel about it as a snack for a 4 1/2 year old? DD is in a new school this year and the after care kids get a school provided snack of popcorn - everyday. They are also offered apples or oranges. DD does not like apples, and while she eats oranges, she is not enough of a fan to eat them everyday (like strawberries).

Due to allergies they will not permit me to provide DD with a snack for the after care period (even though I provide lunch and peanut butter is permitted). DH has said we're not happy with the popcorn everyday thing, and the response was, there are apples and oranges available.

I can't see going the entire school year with DD eating popcorn 5x per week. Before next week is over she will have doubled the number of times she has eaten popcorn in her entire life, but I'm at a loss as to what can be done.

Any thoughts?

Popcorn

Is this in a licensed daycare or is it just a pre-school? I thought I read on here the other day that popcorn is not allowed to be served in daycares. Not sure if it's the same for pre-schools since they are regulated differently. My child is pretty good with popcorn, but I don't think I would be happy about it being served. Especially if it's microwave popcorn.

Re: Popcorn

That's a tough one.

As far as snacks go, popcorn and fruit are great options - but I think anything offered 5x a week for the entire school year is a bit much.

Regarding outside food - since after-care does not have the same children each and every day, it is close to impossible to manage allergies properly which is why the school generally controls the snack portion of after-care. They are probably so limited because they have to account for every allergy out there.

Re: Popcorn

To me, popcorn is a choking hazard. I try to not offer it to my kids.

Tell them you are not comfortable with it.

Re: Popcorn

Popcorn

I aqgree that popcorn is a choking hazard (even though it is a pretty healthy snack, butter and microwaving aside). I would write a letter to the aftercare program putting them on notice that you consider popcorn a choking hazard and that they would be liable for any (god forbid) injuries or worse. 4 yo kids are still young, and can choke easily! God forbid!
Also, why would they not mix it up?? Incidentally, our aftercare program has the weirdest snacks. Sometimes they will have almost a meal- quesadillas or grilled cheese, then other times they will have an oreo 100 calorie pack or fruit snacks. So weird!!

Re: Popcorn

My family will not give DS popcorn b/c my nephew choked. I wasn't there so I do not know how bad the incident was. For that reason I do not like the popcorn idea but if there are fruit choices I might not make a big deal of it. DS picks fruit a lot when he has a choice and I just hope that continues.

Message edited 9/14/2012 3:29:22 PM.