Why do parents do this at pick up?

[Infomerkel]

I've name changed for this as I dont want to offend anyone I know IRL.

My DS is in a very small primary school. There is always a set of parents who meet their kids at the pick up doors with a 'treat' (bag of crisps, chocolate donuts, cupcakes etc). But I know where these kids live and its within a 3 minute walk of the school. Why do they need a snack at the door?

My DS is also usually starving after school but can manage the 3 min walk home, wash his hands and then sit at the table to eat.

I just don't get it? I'm foreign so maybe its a custom I haven't come across before? I've always wondered about it, but figured each to their own. But now, DS's best friends dad will often bring a 'treat' for DS as well. It's extremely kind and I'm always very grateful and thank him. But I don't want him having a treat every single day after school. I'm a bit strict at home about not making junk food into a habit but I don't want to come across as judgy or sanctimonious. I also feel odd not reciprocating and bringing treats in.

AIBU to not understand this?

[hazeyjane]

It's heartening to see that the fine tradition of being an arsehole is still alive and well!

[FrenchJunebug]

they might live close but not go home immediately. Why does it bother you so much?!

[FrenchJunebug]

French gouter is not eaten at home as it is normally given at 4pm when most French kids are still at school. At primary we use to be given by the school bread and chocolate and when I was older bought myself a croissant to eat .... on the way home.

[kateandme]

I don't understand why people are feeling the need to come up with reasons/excuses,havnig to answer to people about giving there child a nice bit of food.for goodness sakes.food and society is f* up!

[Skyejuly]

Who even notices what everyone else is doing? Seriously!

[arethereanyleftatall]

I've only read a few pages and the last comment, but goodness gracious, @Skyejuly you are spot on.

So much absurd judginess regarding parents who give children after school snacks.

Do you really have nothing better to think about, than trying to think of a clever way to put down a parent who gives their child a snack?!?

[Flamingosnbears]

Nothing wrong with it, I remember getting a treat if I'd been good in school and my children do also.

[CarolDanvers]

These threads always make me smile. I honestly go through life questioning myself on whether I am being a judgey, sneery ass hat. I promise I do, I try to be fair and make allowances while still having a laugh at the ridiculous and I always think that most people are like that, you know, just getting on with things and maybe having a little inward judge or smirk to themselves at stuff they perceive to be odd or weird or unusual. Then I come on here and realise that most people aren't like that, they're loud and proud in their judgment and sneering and really love getting the chance to trumpet their views to anyone who will listen and they're just SO sure that they're in the right too that they're thinking The Right Way. Funny 😁

[Dancergirl]

My DS is also usually starving after school but can manage the 3 min walk home, wash his hands and then sit at the table to eat

Lots of small children don't want to sit formally at the table after a long day at school.

If your child's going to have a snack anyway, why not have it on the walk home? Saves time. Then when they get home, they've already had something to eat so can rest/play/watch TV.

[PhilomenaButterfly]

I used to take snacks for mine, then they'd wait until we got home, I stopped that because it was too soon before supper, now I pack a snack for DS2 for before after school clubs, DD doesn't usually want one.

[AllesAusLiebe]

Lots of small children don't want to sit formally at the table after a long day at school.

Lots of small children also don’t feel like having a bath, going to bed, brushing their teeth after a long day at school. You’re the parent, however, and have a responsibility.

[actualpuffins]

You’re the parent, however, and have a responsibility

You're the parent, however, and you pick your battles.

[Kaybush]

I've always brought a snack to school pick up, but it's usually from the 'healthy snacks' section of supermarkets.

It's usually because we rarely go straight home though. In Spring/Summer it's to the park or beach and in colder months it's after school clubs, friends' houses or into town usually.

I do it because they come out absolutely starving and are just happier and more pleasant for having had a snack.

They're both slim and athletic btw!

[AintNobodyHereButUsChickens]

There are 2 mums at my school who are sisters, every single day they greet their children (they have 7 between them) with huge bags of sweets each I don't know how they afford it!

[therealimposter]

It's how they like to do things, you like to do it differently. Nothing to see here, move on.

[californiascreaming]

quite an interesting thread really...
today mine had pot of popcorn and some cheese - and ate it while walking home - how common!!!
sorry have forgotten username but I was asked why I don't provide a big packed lunch - because school meals are free so it helps our finances, its one less thing to do in an already busy life and also my kid likes doing the same as her classmates at lunchtime. The lure of playtime would be too strong for a 5 year old to sit inside ploughing through a big lunch while all her friends are out playing after gulping down their small school meal.

[LilQueenie]

perhaps they are not going straight home or they are leaving again the moment they are home. Perhaps the parent picked something up on the way to school.

[Alpacanorange]

I was with you up to “I’m foreign”. What difference does that make?? Doing things differently makes it neither better or worse just different.,

[Notso]

If your child's going to have a snack anyway, why not have it on the walk home? Saves time. Then when they get home, they've already had something to eat so can rest/play/watch TV.

I don't take snacks to school because mine like to get home and changed them have something to eat and drink while relaxing. They like to chat to their friends and run around on the way home.

[Booboostwo]

My DS is a really fussy eater the point where he had started dropping centiles. I let him eat whatever he wants whenever he wants because when have a child that won’t eat any food at any time is good. He has biscuits going into class and spent all of last year sharing one with another little girl and he has something at pick up.

You really lack in imagination OP to think that the whole world is like you.

[YeTalkShiteHen]

Who even notices what everyone else is doing? Seriously!

Oh thank fuck! Yes!

[PortiaCastis]

People can give their children a snack if they want and it's their business not anyone else's

[ferrier]

I don't understand it either. It's totally unnecessary. Precious dc are not going to starve in the short time from school gate to home or car. And it sets them up for a childhood of bad eating.

[MinisterforCheekyFuckery]

I don't really get it either to be honest OP. But I don't consider how or when other people feed their DC to be any of my business.

[thornyhousewife]

Perhaps they don't live three minutes away? That would be the obvious answer..