Recently I found myself "making the huffy sound" repeatedly while making snacks for my kids. One kid wanted yogurt and crackers. The other child wanted yogurt-- but only if it was frozen. Unless it was fruit on the bottom Brown Cow yogurt which would be okay -- otherwise she'll
have hard boiled egg. "Oh wait," the first kid chimes in, "we have hardboiled eggs? Then I want to put this (half eaten) yogurt back in the fridge and have hard boiled eggs. And with the eggs I still want crackers, but not graham crackers, saltines. And if there's no saltines then I'll have cinnamon toast."
Good Lord! When did I become a short order cook?! And where did they learn to order food -- from When Harry met Sally?
Well, I'm happy to report the great food delimma is solved! I sat down with the girls and we made a food schedule for breakfast, lunch, and afterschool snack. They got to choose what was on the schedule (with my suggestions) and everyone agreed that there would be no arguing about what they were given on any particular day because, after all, they made the plan. We also agreed that we would change this schedule in about three months, so they don't get too bored.
Ever since we've set up this system we haven't had one food complaint! Plus, it's much easier for me to pack lunch in the mornings since my sleep-addled brain doesn't have to make any decisions. It's also made shopping easier since we need the same set of stuff on our list each week. Also, the kids are eating a more well-rounded diet since I don't fall back on the empty carbs of cold cereal every day. Oh, I just can't stop singing the praises of this routine!
Here's our current Food Schedule. Try it (or modify it with your kids, and let me know how it works out!
Breakfast
Monday: yogurt and toast with fruit
Tuesday: scrambled eggs with toast and fruit
Wednesday: toaster waffles with bananas
Thursday: oatmeal
Friday: cold cereal
Lunch (each entree come with milk, some sort of Pirate Booty type thing, and a piece of fruit or veggies - usually apple slices, carrot sticks, or cherry toms.)
Monday: peanut butter and jelly sandwhiches
Tuesday: ritz crackers and "goober jelly"
Wednesday: bagels and cream cheese
Thursday: rolled up lunch meat with cheddar squares
Friday: "snacky lunch" -- granola or Zbar, cheese stick, and smart puffs
Afterschool Snacks
Monday: veggies with dip, Newman's Own popcorn
Tuesday: granola bars and fruit
Wednesday: cheese and crackers with fruit
Thursday: free choice
Free Choice Ideas: peanut butter and apples, banana boats (half a banana split lengthwise w/peanut butter or yogurt on it and sprinkles), smoothies
(October 2006) (
Lexi xxx
