Drive-By Snacking for Kids
From top left: a trail mix that I was trying to use up (almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins), raisins, extra-old white cheddar (no added colouring), fruit salad x3, frozen peas (both kids like them frozen), carrot sticks, sugar snap peas, and air-popped popcorn with lots of butter and real sea salt x3.
I very much doubt that this is a new idea (and it’s definitely not something I came up with on my own). I first heard about it here. I love it because the possibilities are pretty much endless. It could become a lazy lunch, too – maybe add some more protein/fats, or a cup of homemade bone broth (which my kids both guzzle down when they get to drink it with a straw).
What other spot-filling suggestions do you have? I’m thinking cucumbers and tomatoes after I go to the market next week. What else?
great. now I want popcorn.
ps – the ultimate drive-by snack…breastmilk. lol
so true!
I remember reading something like this in my Dr Sears book using ice cube trays, but muffin tins seems much more sensible for not getting dumped! I am actually not really a fan of setting food out for kids to munch on so it might not be that ideal for us as I just usually put a few things on a small plate and they sit at the table/high chair and eat their snack (the muffin tray would be a little more than one sitting, I think), but this sounds really fun so I probably will do it, especially for a lunch outside. Other things that I would think of would be yogurt or nut butter for dipping, or frozen fruit (my girls fave) or sliced hard boiled eggs, peppers, olives, chopped up cold meat.
I actually just gave this to him for morning snack, then again at afternoon snack. It worked super well, and he ate all of his lunch too. I don’t mind if he snacks throughout the day though, for us it creates fewer mealtime battles. Also, one of the characteristics of spirited children (according to MS Kurcinka) is irregularity in schedule (ie hungry/tired at different times), and that is SO Isaac. Like you said, it’s probably not for every kid, in that way specifically, but it is so easily adaptable – for lunch, etc. Plus, it’s a novelty for them, which is fun. I like your other suggestions… esp. boiled eggs. I’m going to do that tomorrow
Oh I am all for snacking! My girls snack multiple times a day, although not in the last hour or two before supper, and they still eat plenty at meals. Mostly, whenever I have seen this idea or ones similar it is to set at a low table where they can eat throughout the day. That is the part that I don’t like. I would rather them ask me, get it and sit down and eat it, then go back to whatever. It is just neater and safer, for example today I got sloppy and let Cecily walk around while eating, she climbed the couch and fell off and choked on the mouthful of food that I didn’t realize was even in her mouth. There’s my crazy kids:).
Yup, I’m with you. I let them eat whenever (except right before supper), but I much prefer it to be at the table!