Olivia, a program director, is committed to serving nutritious foods and providing healthy choices for children. For that reason, her center does not regularly serve cookies, cakes, or other foods full of sugar, fats, or
preservatives. The program's family handbook describes these policies. It states clearly that birthday cakes are
not allowed. Policies strongly encourage families to celebrate special events with healthy foods such as sliced
fruit, vegetable plates, and veggie pizza. Another important part of the program's philosophy is developing
close relationships with all the families. Olivia strives to warmly welcome children and families each day. One
morning a mother who is new to the center, who has been shy about participating, and whose mastery of
English is limited, arrives with a large, elaborately decorated cake to celebrate her child's birthday. On one
hand Olivia wants to avoid violating the center's policies, but on the other she wants to strengthen her
relationship with this mother and make her feel that she and her family are important members of the
program community.
1. Identify the problem and determine if it involves ethics.