If your family is like mine, you are constantly hearing one — or more — of your kids say, “Mom, I’m hungry! Can I have a snack?” Sometimes, I’m delighted to prepare a nutritious plate. Other times, the thought of creating yet another snack or meal is unfathomable. (Like when it’s 10 minutes before dinner. Or 10 minutes after dinner. Or 10 minutes after they’ve brushed their teeth and are getting ready for bed.)
It occurred to me, however, that the more I can empower them to be independent, listen to their body cues for hunger, and help themselves to nourishing foods, the more I am preparing them for the real world.
It’s easy to get into an endless back and forth about what kids can have at particular times. “What should I have, Mommy?” (Insert whiny voice.) “How about an apple?” “No!” “How about a banana?” “No!” “How about some carrots and hummus?” “No!”
My simple rule is that they can choose anything, as long as it doesn’t come in a box and it includes some kind of fruit or vegetable. That way, I know they’re getting what they need nutritionally, and I don’t have to constantly be in the kitchen making something.
If you’d like to try this route for your children’s snacking needs, check out my favorite snacks that my kiddos can make on their own, at their own volition, and without asking mom or dad for permission!
1. Dates with natural peanut butter or almond butter
Provide plastic or non-sharp knives for splitting the dates and smearing the peanut butter in them. My kids love this!
2. Pre-cut veggies dipped in guacamole or hummus
You can keep pre-made single-serving cups of hummus or guac in the fridge for moments like this.
3. Yogurt, granola, and berry parfait
Even my 5-year-old can make this one on her own! She pulls out a bowl, gets a yogurt smoothie and berries from the fridge, then pours some granola on top.
4. Raw veggies
My 7-year-old feels amazing about herself when I let her cut up cucumbers and peppers on her own. She doesn’t cut in the most pristine way, but who cares? Again, make sure the knife is sharp enough to slice through the veggies but not too sharp to create bloody mishaps.
5. Strawberries
I bought this handy strawberry huller a few years ago, and the kids literally fight over who will use it first. This creates a nice combo of independence and fun — and the kids eat strawberries in the process!
6. Rice cake with cream cheese and sliced cucumber
They love the crunchiness of this one! You can also try cherry tomatoes on top, or swap the cream cheese and veggies for peanut butter and banana slices on top.
7. Baked chickpeas tossed in cinnamon and coconut sugar
I make these in the early part of the week and keep them in the cabinet for the kids to take as snacks whenever they want. Simply open a can of chickpeas, drain them, and dry them with a paper towel. Spread on a cookie sheet and toss on the cinnamon and coconut sugar. Spray with oil spray all over and bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.
8. Eggs
My 10-year-old can make a fried egg on her own. She usually makes one or two and then has baby carrots or avocado slices on the side. She loves feeling confident at the stove. (After a period of “training” on basic kitchen safety.) If your kiddo isn’t quite ready to cook their own eggs, keep hard boiled eggs in the fridge for snack time!
9. Cut up cantaloupe or watermelon
We like to cut up an entire melon and keep it in the fridge for snacking. The kids know that if they see if in there, it’s fair game for everyone — we pull out toothpicks and go to town!
10. Smoothies
Here’s a fun combo: frozen bananas, a scoop of peanut butter, and a bit of chocolate protein powder or cocoa powder. It tastes like ice cream! We love that this snack combines a fruit with fat and protein to really satisfy their hunger. For a fruit-focused smoothie, try any combo of frozen berries, mangos, and bananas!
