Replying to Parent Questionnaires

[RedDragon]

My main point is that parents are asking can the no juice rule be dropped ?My view is absolutely not they argue they would use sugar free juice but in my eyes this is worse but I can't obviously bring in my personal opinion, so.....how would you reply?

[Fredbear]

I know many might disagree but we have no added sugar juice at our setting as an option with parent/carer permission.. It is also aspartame free.

This is such a difficult one to call. My personal view is that it should be everything in moderation.

What does your policy state.

Did they know this when they signed up at your setting.

How many people are requesting the possible change of rule.

Are you full day care or sessional.

My granddaughter knows she may have a juice during the day, but always has water at mealtimes etc.

[Carol]

We only provide milk or water at snack time. During some recent training on oral health this was discussed and the advice was no juice at snack time. Diluted juice with a main meal was ok (e.g if parents sent it in child's lunch box) but we were reminded to keep an eye on sugar contents. It's national smile month 18 May to 18 June and we are going to promote good oral health and healthy eating

[MarshaD]

Same as Carol. Water or milk is all that is on offer at snack and we have no refusers. It's important to have parent input but if it's your policy stick to it. Children can drink squash or juice at home. School is no different so they may as well start early.

[Guest]

Can you get some literature from your dental health team or even ask them to come out and speak to parents.

We allow juice at lunch times as children bring a packed lunch I compromise with the lunch time because parents that are worried their child is not drinking all day know they have the drink their child likes at lunch time and this seems to relieve any worries. The children that stay also have diluted juice at tea time to, but at snacks time only water and milk and the children are fine with this. They also only have water in their water bottles during the day.

[lashes2508]

Stick to your guns ! It is your setting and your rules , as long as parents were made aware at time of application.

Respond with your reasons why , we offer only milk and water at snack and children do not bring their own drinks with packed lunch , we supply water and found ( and explained to parents) that those who would not usually drink water do when they are in an environment where everyone's drinks the same.

Fruit juice should only be drunk ( dental advice) at meal times and parents can do what they want at home, but whilst their child is in your care they should adhere to your policies and procedures.

 

 

We have had the same issue with jam and choc spread sandwiches , children are now eating a variety of other savoury items and broadening their eating experience.

Preschool 1 parents 0

[sunnyday]

I would respond with something along the lines of

 

It was interesting to read so many comments and requests to change our policy and procedures with regard to drinks........and then outline the reasons (backed up by research) as to why you won't be doing so!

 

We are water or milk only in my setting - parents are made aware of this (if they read the bumph) before their children start with us. :1b

[lsp]

We are also milk or water at snacktime, water through the day. Drink from home for their packed lunch - but no fizzy!! We do have some battles with lunchbox food e.g. is it chocolate biscuit or sweets? It is really difficult to deal with, even with Policies to back us up. Parents can get very emotional over the whole subject of their child's eating habits. The other problem we had once was an issue moved into the 'facebook' :angry: arena!!

[RedDragon]

Thank you so much everybody for your input I appreciate it!