Let’s talk about a topic that’s been weighing heavily on my mind: the obsession with post-game snack bags. I might ruffle some feathers here, but honestly, it’s time we address this ridiculous trend that seems to plague every sports event. Picture this: after just an hour of soccer practice, little Sophie absolutely must have a snack. But why? Is she going to perish from hunger? Did she burn a thousand calories while frolicking on the field instead of actually playing? Do we really need to add another chore to our busy lives—buying, dividing, and distributing snacks for kids who aren’t even ours? Or is this just another way to spend an unnecessary $30?
Every single team activity my children have participated in has a system where each parent must bring a snack and a drink for the players. I can understand this if they’ve been playing in a tournament for hours and are missing a meal. But seriously, we’re talking about a Saturday morning basketball game that lasts 45 minutes—snack required. The same goes for a one-hour soccer match or little Oliver’s hour-long hockey game. Even in Rebekah’s t-ball game, which wraps up in five innings, a snack is mandatory. For activities that are shorter than your average cartoon, it seems utterly absurd to require a snack.
Oh, and let’s discuss the type of snacks. They’re supposed to be healthy and allergen-free. Sure, I get the allergy concerns, but let’s be real; no kid wants to munch on a cheese stick after shooting hoops. And the worst part? Your snack bag is up for scrutiny not just by the parents, but by the kids too. I’ve seen children turn their noses up at the healthy snacks that parents have carefully prepared because they consider them “gross.” Honestly, that kid deserves a trip to the water fountain instead.
Who even initiated this trend? Why does little Timmy need to know there’s a special bag of healthful treats waiting for him after the game, only for him to toss it in the trash without a second glance?
And don’t even get me started on the gift bags at major competitions. My daughter takes gymnastics, and this year, we introduced snack bags for the girls after their meets. To be fair, their meets last about four hours, and they do miss a meal. So yes, I support offering them something to nibble on while waiting for the awards ceremony. But I’ve seen other gyms come in with an extravagant array of goodies and gifts—seriously, it’s like preparing for a royal event! And let’s not forget that little Emma might just discard the entire gift bag without recognizing the effort that went into it. How about a simple “thank you,” instead of just grabbing the candy and tossing everything else aside?
To the parent who spends over five minutes on a snack bag, I’d love to know where you find that kind of free time! I can almost hear someone saying, “But I just LOVE putting these together for my little Annabelle; she enjoys seeing what I create.” This is probably the same child who’ll demand granite countertops in her first home instead of appreciating the simple joys of life.
Can we please go back to simpler times? You know, when kids had to fend for themselves? I mean, did you ever get a snack bag after your sporting events back in the ’80s? Yeah, I didn’t think so. We survived just fine without them. No one starved, no one fainted from malnutrition. The only treat was a pat on the back for a job well done.
And yes, little Sarah may have had her Hawaiian Punch while I got nada, but look at me now—totally normal!
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In summary, let’s reconsider the necessity of snack bags after every game. They’re often excessive, unwanted, and create more hassle than joy. Kids can thrive without them, just as we did!
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