Hungry Children, All Summer Long

A few days ago, I was shopping at my local super store on a very busy day. I cut through the snack section to avoid the mass of people crowded around a sample table and found myself stuck behind a mom and her three daughters.

After a very animated conversation over which snacks to buy, Mom took matters into her own hands and walked down the aisle throwing box after box of snacks into her cart. No one was very happy and there was much crying and whining. I have walked in that mom’s shoes and it isn’t easy.

I often wonder how my children manage to make it through the school day without falling over from hunger, but can’t seem to make it two hours without eating in the summer. I am not sure what the reason is, but it can be a never ending battle to keep children full during the summer. It is an additional challenge when you combine their need to constantly eat with food allergies and outside activities.

Summer days at home, as well as trips to the pool, zoo or baseball games, and beach can be stress free with a little planning.

One day a week, I make large batches of ground beef or turkey, grilled chicken, pasta salad, brown rice along with cutting up fresh vegetables and fruit. Having the fridge stocked with real food allows for quick lunches, dinners and healthy snacks when there is not time to be creative.

Crock pots are life savers. There are lots of great gluten free crock pot recipes. Try our pot roast one day and use the leftovers the next day to make our beef-a-roni.

If you looked in my pantry, you would think that I was planning for a siege. And I am – because at any moment, my children can storm my kitchen. I keep a stock of juice boxes, dried fruit, yogurt covered raisins, cookies, crackers, granola and granola bars, fruit roll ups, organic fruit bites and an assortment of chips, along with dried pasta, rice and cereal.

In my freezer, I keep hamburger patties, hot dogs, popsicles, juice boxes, grapes, strawberries and chocolate covered banana slices, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream, brownies and cookies. Frozen juice boxes and fruit are great to toss into a cooler when you are heading out to the pool or beach.

I like to keep dinners simple in the summer. I grill meats and vegetables when I am not using my crock pot. When everyone gets tired of the “same old thing,” I will try to surprise them with something new.

In order to keep my sanity, I have set a few guidelines for our kitchen in the summer. Fruit and vegetables are always available, sugary snacks are limited and once the dinner and dessert mess is cleaned up, the kitchen is closed for the night. This rule rose up out of my frustration, but has really become a gift. No one argues, or tries to negotiate. If anyone needs to eat after the kitchen is closed, there is a bowl of fruit available.

Summer is fleeting, but with a well stocked kitchen and a plan, it is possible to enjoy it as much as your children.

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