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Parents as Party Partners

Engaging parents in the creative process.

Schools are going beyond informing parents of school party policies and actually engaging them in creative solutions.

The Situation: Schools are moving away from hosting parties and classroom celebrations that focus on food, especially with high amounts of fat, sugar and sodium. Kids love parties – a break from the routine – a chance to play and be celebratory!

Why: School wellness policies, addressing foods sold and served outside of school meals, are encouraging healthier choices and recommending non-food substitutions. Plus, food safety issues, including the potential for allergic reactions, are driving the removal of homemade goodies from school grounds.

How to Cut (Out) the Cake: Engaging parents early is a great idea. Working with parents to find creative ways to truly celebrate children can help lessen what some parents feel as an overly authoritative role of the school – or a threat to the very nature of childhood (the “tradition” of linking cupcakes with kids’ birthdays).

Consider these steps:

• Get parent input – support parents in leading the charge. (Consider having a sub-committee of the wellness council and take turns providing childcare during the meetings.)
• Explore resources for creative ideas for school parties (check out the resources on this page).
• Provide a letter to parents (best if from a parent committee) that states expectations around school and classroom parties while reminding them of the wellness policy. Provide the letter in all the primary languages of your school’s population and include a list of simple alternatives – such as healthier food options (string cheese, fruit, popcorn, yogurt parfaits, veggies with fun dips) and non-food goodies (art supplies, books, stickers, balls, jacks, sidewalk chalk, etc.)
• Conduct a contest for parents, students and school staff to design parties that move food out of the picture or, at least, to the periphery. (Think art, music, outdoor activities, special guests, games, parades and treasure hunts.)

If you have a school party policy to share, an idea for engaging parents or an alternative practice for celebrating birthdays, holidays and special events with children in schools, please send your examples to Kate Link.

 

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