So since covid and lockdowns my kids have become snack monsters. I have a box with snacks (chips, tiny teddies, chocolate, popcorn).
My kids (5, 7 and 9) have gotten into the habit of snacking all day. Barely eating their lunch and dinner and then requesting a snack 5 minutes later. I am so sick of it.
I'm thinking of getting rid of the box all together. I fill the box with snacks for school recess and everything is gone in 2 days.
I can't stand their whinging though - and as I'm divorced this will mean that dad has all the good stuff so they will hate being at my place even more (I don't have as much as the dad has so my place is labelled 'boring').
So back to the point, have you ever gotten rid of all snacks?
I will provide healthy alternatives, I do not have time to do baking (plus I've never been great at cooking) so please no suggestions to do all these Pinterest healthy snacks. I just want to know how you survived the constant whinging from not having sugar filled snacks at home.
If they are hungry they can grab a piece of bread, fruit or cereal... like when I was a kid. My home didn't have chips or biscuits, those where for special occasions. I think I'm going to do the same.
6 Replies
I haven't removed all snack foods, I just limit. My kids are allowed one snack a day, if they're still genuinely hungry they're free to have some fruit, veg or cheese sticks I've preprepared. If they have a snack item in their lunch box, that's their limit for the day and after school is fruit!
If they're eating an adequate and nutritious breakfast, lunch and dinner they don't need to be eating a ton of processed junk. I also don't buy the individual pre packed stuff because they're terrible value for money, I buy family sized packs of Arnotts biscuits, big box of Saladas or crackers, family sized bags of chips or popcorn and I divy them up into individual portions myself.
Off topic slightly but have they got enough stuff/activities at your house to keep them busy? I only ask because you mention they have more at dads and my kids are massive boredom eaters so I'm wondering if that's contributing to your children's mindless snacking.
They have books, toys, puzzles, crafty stuff, a tv and a tablet each, scooters, friends in the neighbourhood.
At dads they have 2 pets, a nintendo switch, a trampoline - those things I can't provide as Im in a small rental and I can't afford a nintendo switch.
Ah ok, that's plenty of entertainment then. Definitely still worth getting them to think about if they're actually hungry or eating for something to do. Sometimes I tell my kids to go for a scoot or do something and come back in 10 if they're still hungry, half the time they don't come back lol.
Would their dad be on board with limiting their junk intake? I'm guessing probably not because it's easier to just let them have it but it can't hurt to ask!
Hide the box and only use it for recess. Show them what they can make as snacks in between like toasties, Ham and cheese croissants, mini nachos, pasta with grated cheese. Basic stuff that gets them using their brain when they open the cupboard instead of opening a cupboard full of food and saying there's nothing to eat. Having this problem with my stepson now but he's 16, he has never had to make stuff, only grab something that's ready to eat and it's annoying. Teach them basic stuff and they won't care who has the better junk food.
For a long time my boys had a container each of snacks and chocolates. There was enough in there for a snack and a chocolate each day for a week, with a few extras. Once they were gone, that was it they didn’t get anymore. And if that meant no packet of chips for school lunch, then too bad so sad. They soon learnt not to eat them all at once. And there was always fruit and yoghurt available as well.
Yep, I got into the same habit and my youngest turned feral arguing over dinner and real food and scheming g for the snacks. I’ve turned it around now and we’re back on real food. One thing that helps is containers of good snacks in the cupboard - that’s exciting for them. And just not having the option of the junk available.