Comments on: Why Moms Shouldn’t Send ‘Goodie Bags’ to Daycare

By: CELESTE

CELESTE — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:53:34 +0000

The writer may of gone a little over board, but it doesent really bother me when they do these things at my daughters day care. Although I am like whats the point my daughter is one most of the candy they get she cant eat. I am a full time working mom and I seen a note on the door about a vday party and kids could exchange vday cards and what not but I did not get any I took some cupcakes for the party but whats the point in buying valentines for a bunch of 1 year olds that dont know the difference. When I dropped my daughter off a lady at the day care was like you didnt bring cards I said no and she said maybe I have enough extra just dont want Oakley to be left out. I just smiled and said thanks but I was thinking she is not going to know or feel left out if she would I would of done it. When she gets older I will take that extra step to help her make cute little valentines when she knows whats going on I loved it when I was in elementary school and my mom was very craft that I am not but my mother never did it all herself we did it and she assisted that was the best part we got to make them not mom.

By: Sarah-Belle

Sarah-Belle — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 00:27:55 +0000

Have you ever thought that maybe those darn, crafty moms just want the kids to have fun? Maybe you should focus a little more of your precious time on being thankful to someone who put a smile on your kids’ faces instead of wasting it on being insecure or jealous of their abilities. Remember that your kids will mock your attitudes and they’ll handle situations the same way you do.

By: Karen Hansen

Karen Hansen — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 19:23:31 +0000

I have been both moms as well. This year I have learned to embrace the extras that the other moms do. I am on modified bedrest with my third baby and I don’t even have energy to even cook dinner some nights. These other parents made Valentine’s day very special and exciting for my kiddos. Also you should think that there might be some kids in the class that the Valentine’s Day party is the only thing they might have to celebrate so why not give them some special memories. You don’t have to do it. Also that could be the way those parents speak their love language. Gift giving is not my love language, but it is definitely my daughter’s and it reminds me that there are lots of ways to express love.

By: Runaway22

Runaway22 — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 02:23:36 +0000

I would be annoyed at people stuffing bags full of junk that the kids couldn’t care less about, and ends up in the trash, but I think I’d be happy to a smile on my kid’s face for the few things that are actually kind of neat. You don’t get hurt when your kid gets birthday or Christmas gifts from other people – why should teddy bears and clever crafts from other moms upset you? I’m not trying to call anyone out, I think some parents just need to go A LOT easier on themselves and realize their kids aren’t going to love them any less just because so-and-so’s mom made something cool and stuck it in a goodie bag on Valentine’s Day. That mom might have made the whole class adorable finger puppets, but she doesn’t kiss boo-boos, read bedtime stories, or put food on the table.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:38:56 +0000

I couldn’t agree more with this column. All these manufactured “holidays” do is increase our stress levels. And will someone please explain to me why children that can’t even read yet need to exchange Valentine’s?

By: Stephanie Kay (@stephmommybrain)

Stephanie Kay (@stephmommybrain) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:36:14 +0000

I’m with you! I barely have time, money, or energy to do all that stuff for my own kids. Do it for other people’s kids? No way! Guess I’m a bit of a humbug. lol!

By: Thankful Thursday - Baby Gators Den

Thankful Thursday - Baby Gators Den — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 05:00:53 +0000

[...] had lunch with the very sweet Jessica of Keeping Mommy Sane on Tuesday- such a great time! I loved her post yesterday on TheBump.com about goodie bags at daycare, check it [...]

By: Christy

Christy — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 03:11:09 +0000

Lol! Guilty. I am the Hobby Lobby crafty mom. I’m not trying to show anyone up and I teach my son to be grateful for EVERYTHING he receives. It really is the thought that counts. I don’t do it for every holiday (I didn’t have time at Christmas for example). I love doing it so I plan way ahead and find great deals on supplies. Also my sons participate in some way in whatever we do (from infancy up). We have a blast making things for their classes. I don’t begrudge any mom who doesn’t enjoy doing those things or have the time.

By: Laura Lee

Laura Lee — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:40:39 +0000

I agree that it’s often taken too far, but also depends on the circumstances. If the child is old enough to help make a craft/card and likes doing so, then by all means. It’s teaching them new skills, how to avoid consumerism, and they get to spend time with mom working on the project. I work at a daycare in Canada, and homemade treats are a definite no-no. The provincial health department does not allow any outside food being served in daycares as there is no way of knowing what went into it. We do allow the kids to give a small candy or chocolate as some of the valentines come with them. The most my son has ever got was pencils (that came packaged with the valentines) and small tubs of play-doh, both of which I’m fine with.

By: Themis

Themis — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 01:27:35 +0000

I understand your frustration, but I’m not competitive, so I usually appreciate any further step someone gives. It teaches me, inspires me or simply makes me grateful that my kid ended up with a “plus” from someone when I didn’t have time to think about. I would not feel guilty but would explain to him that some people are more like this while others are more like that and if he is bothered about not have taken anything, then next time he should plan something that i will certainly help him. I think being grateful is a better idea for me.