Many school systems have changed the way your child’s birthday is celebrated in the classroom. Gone are the days of Mom or Dad bringing in some cupcakes, with a special candle for their child to make wish.

Due to increased concern over food allergies and trying to keep the peace among twenty sugar high kids, schools are requesting that cupcakes and cookies be left at home.

However, many schools offer “alternatives” to cupcakes. Carrots, bagels, apples, muffins, and bananas are just a few examples. Happy Birthday, Susie! Blow out the candle on your carrots!

One teacher, who preferred not to be identified, had this to say, “There are some students who can’t handle the sugar—literally. They may already be on a no sugar diet, and it’s just cruel for them to have to watch everyone else enjoy the cupcakes."

A parent at the school agrees, saying, “It’s not that big of a deal, especially when they are having a huge party with more cake than they could eat in a lifetime.”

Yet some parents are more old fashioned, talking about the joys having cupcakes brought to the classroom on their birthday. “It’s just tradition, and you’re taking away a part of their childhood,” one parent complained.

Some schools are becoming creative in order to pacify parents and students. Parents are allowed to bring cupcakes the last twenty minutes of school, enough time to sing, eat, and hear the afternoon bell.

Other schools celebrate birthdays by letting the child choose a special book, and having Mom or Dad come in and read it to the class.

It’s a great idea to find out the policy ahead of time, to avoid any embarrassing moments like one mother had when her child turned six. She explained, “I got the cutest cupcakes for my son’s sixth birthday celebration at school. As I walked in, the teacher saw the cupcakes and quickly took me outside. She explained the policy and the reason behind it. I was so embarrassed for no knowing about the policy, even if I didn’t agree with it. Luckily, she helped me avoid the whole class and my son seeing the cupcakes they couldn’t have.”

Finally, there are some schools that deal with the issue by not having any celebration. As one teacher said, “When it’s a child’s birthday, I say “Happy Birthday! Now let’s open our books to page fifty two!”

Hmmm…maybe birthday candles and carrots aren’t so bad after all!