There’s a prevailing notion about today’s youth—that they are overly sheltered and, frankly, a bit fragile. I find this critique both irritating and somewhat accurate. On one hand, I’m grateful my children are shielded from wars and severe hardships; their biggest fear is likely a spider. However, I worry that when real challenges arise, they might just crumble—especially if they’re missing their essential snacks.
Yes, fellow parents, this is a genuine concern. The expectation for snacks to appear in our children’s hands every thirty minutes is not only spoiling them but also fostering the misguided belief that snacks are equivalent to meals and necessary for survival.
I’ve reluctantly acclimated to the post-game and after-practice snack ritual. You know the one: if your child participates in any sport or activity for more than half an hour, you’re obligated to bring snacks for the team. I can’t quite fathom how this became standard. I remember playing for hours with just a couple of Cheerios to sustain us afterward, but here we are in the modern suburban landscape of 2016.
The evolution of snack expectations is relentless. Just when I thought I was prepared with Gatorade and cookies, I was introduced to the snack bag. After my 3-year-old’s so-called “game” (a term I use loosely), he receives a bag filled with a juice box and at least two snacks, like pretzels and fruit snacks. Yes, a snack bag for toddlers who spend most of their time standing around, seemingly lost in thought.
I thought I was ready for anything until I dropped my 5-year-old, Lily, off at art camp. This camp lasts 90 minutes, conveniently scheduled between breakfast and lunch—two mealtimes that have been overshadowed by our snack obsession. Upon check-in, the instructor cheerfully informed me, “You can leave a snack on the counter.”
Wait, what?
“You don’t have to, but you can if you’d like,” she added.
I glanced at the counter, which was lined with nine snacks, each waiting for the ten kids in the class.
Great. Even though I knew Lily didn’t need a snack (she just had breakfast moments earlier), and though I was reluctant to part with my hard-earned money for a snack during a 90-minute art session, I couldn’t let her be the only child without a snack. After all, she’s my only daughter and the middle child, often overlooked between her older brother’s grand endeavors and her younger brother’s outbursts.
“The vending machine downstairs has snacks if you want to grab something,” suggested the instructor.
Perfect. I went to check it out, only to discover it operates on cash—who uses cash in 2016? My purse was devoid of coins, but all hope was not lost! Surely, there had to be some change lurking in the depths of my minivan, where snacks and lost toys have formed a cozy community.
The boys and I embarked on a treasure hunt, digging beneath seats and unearthing random coins that had been glued to the carpet by ancient fruit roll-ups. One of the kids triumphantly found a quarter, but our joy was short-lived when we realized it was a Chuck E. Cheese token. Yet, after some dedicated searching, we finally gathered enough change to buy Lily a snack. Good teamwork!
After a detour around town (we didn’t have enough time to go back home), we returned to pick her up. She emerged from the building, beaming and holding a bag of popcorn from the vending machine, which she hadn’t had time to eat.
Tomorrow, I’ll pack a “real snack” for her art camp. Maybe the craft will be a “Mom of the Year” necklace because, honestly, I could use one.
For more insights on parenting and the challenges we face, check out our other posts on home insemination and parenting tips at this link. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your fertility journey, consider visiting Make a Mom, an excellent source for supplements. Additionally, for guidance on fertility treatments, March of Dimes offers valuable resources.
Summary:
In today’s world, the expectation for children to have snacks readily available has become a norm, leading to concerns about their preparedness for real-life challenges. As parents navigate these evolving snack trends, it’s essential to balance the need for sustenance with the importance of fostering resilience in our kids.