An after school snack is a must for any household with kids. But I get so sick of hearing, “Mom! There’s nothing to eat!” And then after they stuff themselves full of food from our “empty” pantry, they don’t eat their dinner. Ugh! Well, I have a solution to your after-school snack blues.

Alright, I’ll be honest. This is going to take a little bit of effort on your part, but believe me, you’ll be happy you did it.

Buy an after-school snack stash

The next time you go to the store, make an after-school snack list. Here’s a FREE PRINTABLE – 100+ Yummy After-school Snack ideas. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco 🌮. You don’t have to buy everything on that list. Just maybe a week or two worth of snacks. Then when you get home, hide it so your kids don’t it all of it the first day.

Prepare BEFORE the kids get home

Five minutes before the kids get home, neatly set out an after-school snack for your kids on the table. I try to include one healthy item and one “unhealthy” item (basically something you know your kids will eat). Just don’t make it complicated. Banana slices and some chips. You get the idea.

*An after-school snack on the counter for my kids.*

If you need some after-school snack ideas, take a look (again) at this FREE PRINTABLE – 100+ Yummy After-school Snack ideas. I offer this printable for FREE to all visitors of my blog, but if you’d like to show your support, feel free to buy me a taco 🌮.

Or you can try these websites:

Easy after school snack for kids
15 easy and health after school snacks for kids
30 healthy after school snacks
10 cheap after school snack ideas

NOTHING else to eat until dinner

While your kids are eating their snack, remind them that they are not allowed to eat anything else until dinner. What?! You might have to reassure them that, “No, you are not going to die of starvation.” And then, stick to your guns. The moment they ask for something else to eat (most likely 10 minutes later), offer them a tall glass of water.

Enjoy a complaint-free dinner

Ha ha ha ha ha ha! Okay, well, here’s to hoping. But seriously, when kids don’t eat for more than two hours, this thing happens inside their bodies. It’s called HUNGER! So, give it a whirl.

I actually really enjoyed having a snack ready for my kids after school. While they are eating I get a few minutes to sit and chat with them and see how their day was. Although there are days that I miss, my kids really look forward to seeing what the snack is for that day.

What after-school snack ideas do you have? Leave your comments below.