One thing I have found that helps tip the time frame in my favor is to have special “homework” snacks. It’s a balancing act because I want to give my kids something nutritious but not too filling, fun for them, and of course something easy to whip up after school before I embark on making dinner. I start with a glass of 100% juice or low-fat/nonfat milk at the table for them to sip on while I get one of my go to homework snacks ready. Here are three of my kid’s favorite afterschool snacks to nosh on while powering through their homework.
Apples and Almond Butter
My kids love apples with almond butter (or peanut butter). I serve them sliced apples with a serving of almond butter on the side and let them spread it on the apple slices themselves. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, plus it gives them a quick break from their homework each time they stop to spread the almond butter.
Greek Yogurt and Honey
I started adding honey to Greek yogurt when my kids were little to sweeten it up just a little and it stuck. For homework time I will give them a serving of Greek yogurt and the honey container on the side and let them decide how much or how little to swirl in.
Veggies and Hummus
I know I am lucky, my kids love raw vegetables, I actually occasionally think they might be rabbits. For a snack, especially if the weather is warm I will give them a plate of cut up vegetables, raw, and a small dipping bowl of hummus. Like the apples it gives them a moment to regroup or think of an answer to a particular question as they dip their veggies in the hummus.
**An important note to all care providers—Please ensure your children have no allergies to any of the foods listed above—tree nuts (almonds, etc.), peanuts, milk (yogurt), or soybeans (hummus); or the other major food allergens—egg, wheat, fish and shellfish—when using recipes or tips on this website.
