I remember my oldest daughter’s first Halloween at daycare, she was 8 months old and while I was sad when I found out her room was too little for costumes, I was excited that they would still celebrate with themed stories and crafts. I dressed her up in a Halloween onesie and dropped her off. When I picked her up that afternoon as I was getting her jacket on I noticed a bag with her name on it and asked the teacher what it was. She proceeded to tell me it was her “treat bag” for the day. I looked inside completely shocked and saw all different goodies from her classmates. I walked out feeling like a terrible mother.
When Valentine’s Day rolled around a few months later I was ready. We went to the store and she picked out ( I held up choices, she pointed) Lion Guard valentines. We went home, I addressed them, she napped and I felt like I was on top of things! I dropped her off on Valentine’s Day handed her teacher the bag of valentines and was pumped to pick her up later and see what she had collected. Fast forward to pick up where not only had she received valentines but most had come with a treat bag made by each parent. I left feeling down and wishing there was some sort of handbook with how to handle these situations so I could finally get it right!
This Valentine’s Day knowing what to expect I’ve asked in advance for the class list, bought valentines for both of my daughter’s classes and been on the hunt for affordable non-edible treats. I was able to find really cute items and am excited for the girls to give out their treat bags on Wednesday.
Here are a few things I’ve learned from these experiences…
- DECIDE IF YOU CARE: Does it really bother you if you don’t participate in buying/making treats for holiday celebrations at daycare? For me it did, I love all things holiday related, but there are a few kids who don’t participate for various reasons. Decide what matters to you.
- PROCEED WITH CAUTION: The contents of a treat bag can be controversial (I wish I was kidding!) so make sure you pick items that err on the side of caution. Be aware of small parts and we’ve been asked specially by our center not to bring in food or candy because of allergies.
- HAVE FUN: I try to include the girls in the process as much as possible. My oldest is almost 3 so she was very vocal about wanting Frozen valentines, my youngest is almost 18 months so I chose the items for her. I can’t wait until they get older and they start addressing the cards themselves!
How do you handle holidays at daycare? I would love to hear your thoughts!
Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday, catch up with me on Instagram @thestrugglingworkinmama