As a parent, navigating mealtime can often be challenging. My eldest child, Mia, is notoriously picky and my younger one, Leo, has an insatiable sweet tooth that makes it difficult for him to remain at the table for more than a few minutes. Consequently, mealtimes can spiral into chaos, which, as I’ve learned, is quite common among families.
The time frame between their arrival home from school and bedtime is often a whirlwind, particularly when it comes to feeding them. Both children usually have minimal lunch at school, a trend that many parents seem to share. When they return home, they are not just a little hungry—they’re downright HANGRY. It’s that intense kind of hunger that leads to meltdowns, where they might lay on the floor and cry for what feels like an eternity. I can relate; I remember feeling ravenous after a long day at school myself.
For years, I relied on after-school snacks—mini pizza bagels, granola bars, and hummus—to keep them satisfied. However, this snacking would stretch from 3 to 4 p.m., which often rendered dinner meaningless as one eating session blurred into another.
Then one day, I had an epiphany: why not serve them dinner at 3 or 4 p.m. when they’re most famished? This way, I could provide a nutritious meal, tailored to their tastes, and reserve snacks for later.
This approach has been a game-changer. While it can be a challenge to prepare a meal so early, I often resort to quick options—pasta, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, and a side of fruit or vegetables. Surprisingly, they enjoy it, and it’s more wholesome than the snacks that previously spoiled their appetites. They typically eat this early dinner before tackling their homework, ensuring they’re well-fueled and content during that time.
You may wonder if eating so early leads to hunger before bedtime. They do have healthy snacks later, but this strategy has notably reduced the mindless snacking that usually occurred before and after dinner.
As for myself, I often find myself dining at the same time. Like many parents, I start my day early, leading me to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner earlier than most. I usually enjoy a nutritious meal around 4:30 or 5 p.m. and save a small snack for later.
While this early dinner may seem unconventional, I’ve discovered that many of my friends have adopted a similar routine, or expressed interest in trying it. After all, children typically go to bed around 8 p.m., so why should they wait until 6 or 7 to eat? Early dinners align better with their natural rhythms and have diminished the infamous “witching hour” that often plagues families.
In summary, serving my kids an early dinner has proven to be an excellent decision that I wish I had embraced sooner. For those who might question this practice and insist on conventional mealtimes, I pose a simple question: does it really matter what time it is? Children’s bodies don’t concern themselves with societal norms regarding meal times. My guiding principle is straightforward: nourish your children when they’re hungry. Prioritize what works best for your family, and let the rest fall by the wayside.
For more insight into family planning, you can explore our other blog posts, including information on at-home insemination kits here. Additionally, if you’re considering home insemination, this resource is quite helpful. For further information regarding pregnancy, the CDC offers excellent resources.