Like many parents, I often find the challenge of feeding my kids to be quite overwhelming. My oldest, Mia, is a notoriously picky eater, while my youngest, Leo, has an insatiable sweet tooth that makes it hard for him to stay seated at the table for more than a few minutes. Mealtime can sometimes feel like a chaotic circus, but I’ve come to realize that this is just part of the parenting experience.
The hours between their return from school and bedtime can be especially hectic, particularly when it comes to their meals. Both of them barely touch their lunches at school (and from chatting with other parents, I know this is common), so when they come home, they are absolutely famished.
I’m not talking about a simple case of hunger; I mean they’re downright HANGRY. If I don’t feed them immediately, I might as well prepare for a full-on meltdown on the kitchen floor. Trust me, I remember those days of coming home from school absolutely starving. The struggle is real!
For years, I relied on after-school snacks—think mini pizza bagels, pita chips with hummus, or granola bars. However, this snacking never really ceased. They would munch continuously from about 3 to 4 P.M., which, unsurprisingly, turned dinner into a bit of a joke. The lines between meals blurred, and it was all quite frustrating.
Then, one day, I had a lightbulb moment. What if I served them dinner around 3 or 4 P.M. when they were clearly the hungriest? I could focus on making a nutritious meal (or as healthy as my picky eaters will tolerate) and save the snacks for later. This plan has been in action for a few months now, and honestly, it’s been a game changer!
I won’t lie; putting together a meal at that early hour can be challenging, but it’s manageable. Sometimes, if they’re particularly ravenous, I’ll serve appetizers first. What I prepare isn’t gourmet; usually, it’s simple stuff like pasta, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, along with some fruit or veggies. They actually enjoy it, and it’s far more nutritious than the snacks I used to offer at that time, which often ruined their appetite for dinner.
Typically, they eat this early dinner before tackling their homework, which keeps them content and focused. But you might wonder, do they get hungry again before bed? Yes, they do, but I offer healthy snacks later if they want. This approach has significantly reduced the mindless snacking they used to do both before and after dinner, which is a positive change.
As for me, I often join them for this early meal. Like most parents, I rise early, so I tend to have breakfast, lunch, and dinner at an earlier hour. While I might not eat exactly at 3 P.M., I usually sit down for a nutritious meal around 4:30 or 5, and I’ll enjoy a small snack after the kids have gone to bed.
So yes, my children dine at 3 or 4 P.M. It might sound unusual to some, but when I shared this with friends, several admitted they do the same or expressed interest in trying it, inspired by my experience.
Consider this: kids generally go to bed around 8 P.M., so why should they wait until 6 or 7 to eat? An early dinner aligns better with their natural rhythms. Even on weekends, my kids prefer this schedule, which also helps reduce the chaos that often hits around 4 P.M.
Feeding my kids an early dinner has been a fantastic solution, and I can’t believe it took me so long to figure it out. For anyone who thinks I’m out of my mind for doing this, I ask: does it really matter what time it is? Kids’ bodies don’t care about societal norms regarding meal times. My philosophy is simple: feed your kids well when they’re hungry. Adapt to what works for your family and forget the rest! Bon appétit!
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Summary
My choice to serve my kids dinner at 3 or 4 P.M. has transformed our mealtime experience. This schedule accommodates their hunger and keeps them satisfied and focused for homework and beyond. By aligning mealtimes with their natural rhythms, we’ve reduced the chaos that often accompanies after-school hours.