I am planning my boy's birthday party this week-end and I am thinking to offer only healthy snacks. I always think that kids are having too much sugar and that is not the way I have raised my kids. I have invited some of my friends who don't eat the same type of food and I am sure some of the kids coming to the party don't share the same point of view. They rather have sodas and other "not so good" food. Do you think I should buy them some of that food even though I was not planning to do so? Please let me know what you think!
Thanks to everyone for your advice. Of course I had a cake homemade by my friend and it was so yummy. She used only natural ingredients even the chocolate frosting just on top for the color was from real chocolate. I offered 100% juices and water and the food was all made at home and the kids had plenty. (mini tacos, fruit salad, homemade cookies, pepper salad, veggie tray, baked chicken cut in pieces and I can't remember what else...
Its your party...your menu. If they dont like it, they dont eat. Stick to your guns!
We compromised by offering sparkling 100% juice or sparkling flavored water and dried fruits. Our kids enjoyed the sweeter treats, and the other kids seemed to thing they were as good as what they normally get. I would do what you're comfortable with and the kids don't have to come next year if it was really that bad, which I seriously doubt it would be. Have fun!
I agree with the other moms that fruit and pretzels are a fine idea and no one will notice if you offer water and juice instead of soda. But I also agree a cake is important for your son - he needs to be able to blow out the candles like every other kid and a little chocolate won't hurt him. it's not the treats at a party that are bad for kids - it's the day to day diet and nutritional values kids are taught I think.
You can make healthy treats that seem special - the fruit kabobs are a great idea, and you could have a yogurt dip to make it seem fancier. I think it is a good idea to have some form of cake-like treat, even if it is something like banana bread baked in a bundt pan.
Kids usually think a party is special so you have special food. So maybe if you made that the "theme" it would go over better? Or have them get involved in the treat making. Smoothies..fruit kabobs..ect..kids are always more inclined to eat things they made themselves!
I would say plan your party the way you were. If they don't like what you serve then ?????
I offered water & cupcakes at my son's 3rd birthday, but I feel offering more healthy snacks is a GREAT idea. I would definitely have cupcakes or a cake for the birthday though, just offer healthy snacks for other foods. Have fun!
S.
