If you’ve ever found yourself exclaiming, “No snacks, it’s bedtime!” then you might just be a parent. But if you’ve ever said yes to those late-night cravings, then you could be a lot like me.
Over time, I’ve developed the habit of letting my kids have snacks before bed, which I’ve affectionately dubbed their “fourth meal.” It drives me a bit crazy, much to my husband’s dismay, and it certainly earns me some side-eye from my mother during her visits.
I often come across those comments like, “I serve my kid vegetables, and if you don’t give in, they won’t starve.” While I theoretically agree, the reality is that I’m just happy if my kids actually eat dinner. I know I have a couple of stubborn little ones at the table who won’t touch something they deem unappetizing, and frankly, they need nourishment.
When my first child was born, I was all about organic, whole foods—she didn’t even know what sugar was until she turned two. But then came my second and third children, and everything changed. If they want Peeps for breakfast, I think, at least they’re letting me sleep in a bit longer.
There’s a method to my late-night snack strategy. I cook dinner nearly every night; we rarely order pizza or pour cereal. I’m not bragging; it’s just how I operate. Some nights, my kids devour the meal, and other times, each bite is negotiated with treats and extra screen time. Yet, an hour or two after dinner, they invariably request snacks. Sometimes it’s a small item like toast, and other times, it escalates into an entire fourth meal.
On nights when they genuinely didn’t eat, I simply save their dinner and present it again when they claim to be hungry before bed. More often than not, I find myself saying yes to their post-dinner requests. Why? Because my kids have a metabolism that’s off the charts, inherited from their tall, slender dad. He can snack all day long, and my kids seem to share that appetite. I’ve seen my daughter polish off two eggs with toast and a massive bowl of fruit as her fourth meal. They’re growing, and they need that extra fuel.
I’ve learned to tell when it’s a stalling tactic versus real hunger. Any parent knows that when kids are really hungry, they’ll eat things like bananas or yogurt. But if they’re asking for candy after dinner, I know to say no. If they’re truly hungry, they’ll eat more of the dinner I’ve prepared.
Additionally, my kids don’t eat very well at school, which has been an ongoing struggle. If I consider their total calorie intake for the day, fitting in an extra meal or snack wouldn’t hurt. In fact, they might genuinely need it. My daughter has had challenges with weight gain and growth, so when she says she’s hungry, I respond accordingly. If it’s just before bed that she eats her best meal, so be it.
I don’t offer snacks unless they ask, but this routine has become a part of our family life. Each night is different, and on some evenings, I lack the patience. On those nights, my kids might be munching on a piece of plain bread as they head to brush their teeth.
Of course, we say no on plenty of occasions too. If dinner runs late, I’ll tell them no snacks because I know they aren’t actually hungry. I remind them that the kitchen closes after dinner.
It can be exhausting, dealing with the extra meal prep every day. Who wants to make another meal or clean up a mess? Mealtime has become one of my least favorite parts of the day, but I’ve learned to accept it and embrace it. It’s become a family tradition; my kids know they better eat the dinner I put together if they want a chance at a second meal.
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this helpful resource on home insemination. If you’re curious about at-home options for insemination, Make a Mom offers great insights. And for broader information on fertility and pregnancy, the CDC has excellent resources.
Summary
In conclusion, letting my kids have a “fourth meal” has become a regular part of our family routine. Despite the chaos it brings, I accept it as a necessary aspect of their growth and well-being. By discerning genuine hunger from stalling tactics, I strive to balance nourishment and family traditions, even if it can be exhausting at times.