Stand up for what you believe in

We recently got a flier in Javan's backpack advertising a fundraiser Called McCougar Night at Mcdonalds. Of course, that went right in the trash. The only time we eat at Mcdonalds is if we are on the road and there aren't any other options...we certainly aren't going to replace a healthy dinner for "junk food" for a fundraiser. Yesterday i got an email from the school secretary reminding us to attend McCougar Night:

"TODAY, join the fifth grade for dinner at the Mission McDonald’s McCougar Night, to benefit our Tall Oaks fund. The fifth grade will get a percentage of all menu items sold between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m.; dine in or drive-through! A doughnut party will again be awarded to the class with the highest percentage attendance at McCougar Night!! Just check in when you arrive inside to get credit for your class. Dine in only counts towards the doughnut party. (Congratulations to Mrs. Baxter’s class and Mrs. Froetschner’s class, who tied for best attendance at the December McCougar Night!) Prizes will be given out at McDonald’s to all students who attend !"

I really try hard not to push my beliefs on other people or even talk about it at all. It wasn't that long ago that I had the same mentality and I do believe you have to come to the realization about healthy eating on your own.

 And its not even about the trip to Mcdonalds. I always say that the nice thing about eating healthy in the home is that when we do decide to go out for Mcdonalds or donuts or whatever...we don't feel bad about it - because its considered a "treat" not a "habit".

 But, many of the children that go to our elementary school don't have parents that care about healthy eating. For those children, the elementary school is the only healthy eating influence they have... and they are encouraging them to eat dinner at Mcdonalds.

 It doesn't make any sense.

 Anyway, like I said, I try really hard not to say too much about that stuff but this was one of many things that I have chosen to bite my tongue about and I just felt like - if i don't express my opinion, then they will never know how I am feeling. So I wrote:

I have a really hard time with this. Of course, we want to support the school and the 5th graders but our family works hard to instill healthy living values... which means we DO NOT eat at or SUPPORT any restaurants that have contributed to the epidemic of childhood obesity. Its interesting to me that the newsletters have lots of great healthy eating tips and updates on how you are incorporating fruits and new foods to the snacks,etc... yet your fundraisers has my child coming home asking to go to Mcdonalds to support the school....not only is it contradictory, it puts me in a difficult spot to explain to my child why we will not participate. Same with the your very strict no soda in the lunch room rule....yet soda is allowed (as long as its clear) at classroom parties... and then the game at the carnival that gives away 2 liters of soda. I think Crestview is sending mixed messages there....It made me sick to my stomach watching children walking around with 2 liters almost completely empty because they were drinking straight out of the bottle! For so many of these children, Crestview is the best influence they get to encourage healthy eating...let's find some fundraisers that back up your beliefs in fighting against childhood obesity, instead of supporting it. :-) Thanks for listening, i'll step off my soapbox now ;-) Merrie

and there it went. I sent it.

 I held my breath.

 I thought, poor Javan - the kid with the crazy mom who ruined McCougar night, and donut parties, and soda in the classroom... The secretary wrote back:

I agree with you completely, but never really thought of it until you said something. I will pass your message on to those making these decisions.

Wow wow wow.

 It occurred to me that not everyone thinks the way i do. She had never really thought of it until I said something.

 I'm glad I said something.

 It doesn't mean that things are going to change necessarily.. but at least I put my vote in. And now they know where I stand.

 Of course, Lance did warn me.. ." Merrie, that's great. Glad you wrote it. Just choose the battles that are important to you, though. Don't go emailing her everytime something bothers you."

 haha. He know's me too well. I said my piece now I need to let it go and go back to biting my tongue.