I just found out that Pizza Day is a “big deal” at my son’s school.
I went to ask the lady at the front desk if “most kids” order pizza.
The vice principal overheard my question, took a step in my direction and said...
“Yes, pizza day is a BIG deal here.”
I cannot say that I am surprised. As a parent, any opportunity not to have to pack a school lunch is pretty enticing.
Anyone who knows me would probably assume this was an easy decision. You want me to willingly pay extra money to feed my kids fast food when I can easily cook up something way better at home?
Hell no!
Well, it has not been that easy for us. Ashton is old enough to want some input…and to communicate with some degree of reason.
I know that most of you are facing this same dilemma in your home, whether it be pizza, subs, pancakes or any other type of “less optimal” food day offered in your child’s school.
The “pizza day” solution is not cut and dry but you can use the considerations below to decide what feels right for your family.
I know how you are feeling. And it probably goes something like this:
I want my child to eat healthy food as much as possible but I do not want them to feel left out when the majority of the other kids are doing the happy dance because pizza has arrived.
But does it really make sense to let them eat crappy food just because “everyone else” gets to?
I want my child to learn that being different is ok and that saying ‘no’ can be awesome because doing so can contribute to really great health but still, I do not want my child to feel left out.
I am very familiar with the argument that is likely taking place in your brain right now. Ultimately, it is a battle of values.
Which approach do you use?
You likely fall into one of these four common approaches that I see from parents when they decide what boundaries to set for their children when it comes to less optimal food:
- Never, not ever.
- Ok just this once.
- We will take it event by event.
- It is always ok when it is a special occasion.
Which one do you relate to?
Figure out who is more worried about this; you or your child?
When I told my son that I had decided he could have pizza this time around he said,
“No, me and Daddy talked and we agreed I am not having it. And that is fine cause I love your pizza more than any other pizza in the world…”
Ummmm…oops…ok. What do I say now?
He continued “…well, except maybe this pizza. I don't know, maybe I will like it better than yours so it is good that I get to try it and find out!”
Turns out I bought him pizza because I was more worried about him missing out than he was.
The lesson here is not to ask your young child whether they think you should buy them pizza or not. Just have a simple conversation with them to find out how they feel about the whole situation. The decision can be made by you, after.
*Note: If your child is younger than 3 or 4 the best thing you can do for them at this point is keep them eating your healthy food.
This is a prime time to set an expectation for them about what real food tastes and looks like.
This is a time that the psychological repercussions of not having “what everyone else got” seem to be little to none.
They live in the moment. They seem to forget quickly. You are doing them a favor.
Is there an alternative?
It would be wrong of me to suggest that your child may not be affected in some way by the surge of excitement that fills the room just before lunch on pizza day if they are sitting down to salmon on a kale salad instead.
I hate the thought of my child sitting there, feeling sad and left out.
But it doesn not have to be that way.
Whether it is pizza day, sub day, muffin day or pancake day there is likely an alternative that you can make as a better option to what the school is offering.
Yep, it means you probably have to do more work this time around but it also ensures your child has something special too.
Just Google “grain free pancakes” or “healthier pizza crust” and you will find lots of great alternatives. If it is sub day you can pile all their favorite fillings onto a big piece of leaf lettuce. (I know, woo-hoo right? But really, you may be surprised when they love it).
You can always check out our Pinterest page for lots of great ideas too.
A few days before pizza day the conversation goes something like this:
“Hey Sarah. It is pizza day this Friday! So guess what? I am going to make that pizza you love. Remember, the one with bacon and lots of cheese? The school is ordering pizza from the store but since that one is really not good for us, we are going to make our own and it is going to be awesome.”
And then really do it up. Make that pizza as awesome as you promised. You can even ask them if they want to help!
What are the consequences either way?
Depending on what approach you take there are going to be benefits and consequences.
If they do not have the pizza, they are probably going to feel better over the next couple days.
If you decide to say yes and they get a sore tummy, this is an opportunity to open up the dialogue around the connection between eating fast food and feeling crappy.
They may also eat it and end up feeling totally fine. But no matter how small of an effect it may be, you know it is not contributing to their health.
If you buy your child pizza and then say “it is not good for you,” what message are you sending? A little bit of bad is not so bad. Everything in moderation. That is a confusing message.
Is one piece of pizza really a big deal?
I am new to this too. I do not know what the outcome will be if you get pizza for your child versus saying never, not ever.
But I do know that the most powerful action step you can take now and on a daily basis is to keep an open dialogue about the importance and amazing benefits of eating well.
Support your child to understand why we eat well.
I believe that it is this daily conversation that is going to make all the difference for how your child will choose to eat when the choice is theirs.
It is not going to come down to one piece of pizza.
How does your family handle Pizza Day? Please comment below.
For simple By Design recipes why not pick up your copy of the Eat By Design Cookbook. I’ve created it in the form of a 28-day meal plan (plus grocery lists!) so you don’t need to think about what’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner for the next month. Or you can grab the first 7 days FREE by clicking here.