How to Avoid Snacking Battles Before Dinner With Kids

When the gang is growling with hunger and they̵7;re scoping out the kitchen for something fast and delicious to eat, you may need to get creative or they̵7;ll ruin their appetites. Although it̵7;s not wise to allow them to graze without limits, you can avoid snacking battles before dinner with a few effective techniques that should quell their rumbling tummies.

Instructions

    • 1

      Institute a regular routine for meals and snacks to help train your children̵7;s stomachs to eat on a schedule, suggests registered dietician Joy Bauer with the Food Cures website. With a regimented and consistent schedule, your children may eat better at mealtimes, which may mean that they don̵7;t become so ravenous between meals. Strive for a minimum of two hours between meals and snacks, advises Bauer.

    • 2

      Offer your children glasses of cold water if they̵7;re hungry. Sometimes, the body misinterprets hunger for thirst, so it̵7;s possible they are really thirsty and not hungry, according to U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps website.

    • 3

      Serve nutritious ̶0;appetizers̶1; as opposed to ̶0;snacks̶1; if your kids can̵7;t wait to eat, suggests pediatrician Lauren Smith with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Set out a platter of raw vegetables and dip or sliced apples and cheese curds for kids to munch on.

    • 4

      Provide a portion of the meal early for kids who can̵7;t wait. Instead of serving a fruit or vegetable salad with dinner, allow kids to eat this portion of the meal early, recommends the Kids Health website.

    • 5

      Suggest distractions that might make it easier for the kids to wait for dinner. Invite your children to help you make dinner, set the table or just hang out with you in the kitchen. They might also go outside to shoot basketball, complete household chores or play a game until it is time to eat.

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