Finding a Back-to-School Routine That Works

It’s that time again when I’m trying to get the kids back into the school routine. That means finding balance so we can live a healthier, happier life. Part of this routine is going back to more structure, earlier bedtime and better-for-you eating habits like these afterschool snack trays.

After School Snacks 2016 - Real Food by Dad

Surprisingly, everything fell back into placce quickly, but food is always the most challenging of them all. Not because Cole is a picky eater, but he’s a lazy eater. That means, if it’s too much work or he has to wait too long he’ll skip eating.

But here are some tips that I’ve learned over the years:

-Always have a snack tray ready when they get home. This helps them refuel and reset their energy level to gear up for homework.

-Have your kids select their snacks. This way you can help them develop better-for-you selections of foods. Don’t say no to the occassional treat, just teach them how to moderate the intake of it.

-Have your kids help you assemble their snack tray. If your kids are like mine, they like partition trays. I think it has less to do with food touching and more to do with a feeling of having choices. At least as it’s explained by my 9-year-old.

-Set up a routine and stick to it. Ours is: (1) Get home and unload and unpack lunchboxes. (2) Have snacktime. (3) Rest for 20 minutes. (4) Then homework time before sports or playtime.

Horizon Snacks - Real Food by Dad

As you can see, Cole likes a good mix of stuff, from things like: Horizon’s Peanut Butter Sandwich Crackers, finger-size cut fruit, granola, yogurt, trail mix, and a variety of sandwiches. Lucky for me, he will naturally reach for foods like this over processed food choices, so I can’t take full credit. What I can take credit for is helping him build on that to develop better eating habits.

After School Snacks 2016 via Real Food by Dad

Food, like everything else, is a structured routine in our home. I only wish I had learned that earlier so I could have spent less time being a short order cook to hungry, cranky kids. This leaves us more time to work on living a healthier lifestyle.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Horizon Organic. The opinions and text are all mine.

11 comments to " Finding a Back-to-School Routine That Works "

  • foodnessgracious

    Ha, we have pretty much the same routine over here. Love the idea of keeping everything separate too!

  • I don’t ave kids to send back to school, but I am a HUGE routine eater. Same thing everyday at basically the same time! I also love snacks….so those peanut butter crackers are PRIME.

  • Lemons for Lulu

    My kids love, love those little trays! By the time they get home from school they are so hungry, but I don’t want them munching on junk, these are ideas are perfect for y kiddos!

  • No Spoon Necessary

    LOVE those trays, Matt! I seriously need to call my mother and ask her why my snacks growing up were never this fun or delicious! 😉 Cheers, buddy!

  • Mary Ann @ the beach house kic

    What a great post Matt! And those trays look perfect! Cole is a lucky boy! I bet he’s looking forward to some of your killer breakfasts before school too!

  • Lauren @ CGM

    You are the best dad! These trays are so on point!

  • whatshouldimakefor

    so true! i’ve always found routine to be our family’s saving grace, be it mealtime or bedtime.

  • tidymom

    These snack trays are beautiful!! I think I’d have to make one for me too!! 😉

  • This is my first year packing lunches!! These are such great tips!

  • Nicole

    I’m still trying to get into the back-to-school routine! My daughter would love to come home to these snacks!

  • Amy @ Amy's Healthy Baking

    I absolutely love this idea!! And not just because I still love the kiddo-style partition trays… (Yes, my mom actually gave me one for Christmas a few years ago, only partially as a joke. I’m not too fond of certain foods touching!) You and your kids put together some really delicious-looking trays, and those tiny PB sandwiches would definitely be my favorite part. I love anything mini, especially when it involves PB!

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