There are two areas that I always welcome ideas. They are homeschooling and food. I have had a few ideas that have worked for homeschooling (workboxes and unit studies) and now I have received a great idea for food.
My kids are forever eating. We could be done a meal and within half an hour they will be asking for more food. Missy is the worst one for this. She is my grazer. She eats little bits and pieces all throughout the day. I have come to cringe when I hear the words, "Mom, can I have something to eat?" This usually means that I have to stop what I am doing and go cut an apple or spread peanut butter on toast.
Last week, though, I read of an idea that has caused both myself and my children great delight. It has cut down on the pleadings for food and the level of my frustration. The idea came on one of my elists (see? these are good for something.) The title of this brain wave is Snack Platter. Yep, it is just as the name implies. It is a platter of food that the kids can graze on for the day.
I have been making two snack platters a day-one for the morning and one for the afternoon. I put a serving tray on my kitchen island and fill it with snacks. I put everything that the kids need to make the snacks (cutlery, napkins, bowls, etc.) so they can be independent in this endeavor.
I have only been using the platters for this week but, so far, it has been successful. Our morning platters are more healthful,while the afternoon ones may be more carb and sugar oriented.
Example of morning platters: 1) oranges and apples (cut up) and raisin biscuits 2) yogourt and bananas 3) yogourt tubes and granola
Example of afternoon platters: 1) salsa and nacho chips, 2) veggies, dip and muffins 3) hard boiled eggs and flavoured rice cakes
The rule is that once the food is gone, that is it until the next meal. So far this has worked.