My kids have an uncanny knack for requesting snacks—scratch that, demanding them—at all hours, day and night. It’s as though they’ve completely disregarded the notion that breakfast is a morning affair, yet they fully embrace the idea that snacks are available 24/7. Here are just 10 (and trust me, there could easily be more) instances throughout the day when my little ones ask for snacks:
6 A.M.
“Mom, can I get up and have a snack?”
Seriously, kid? You just opened your eyes and you’re already asking for food? I suppose I can’t really blame them; I’m the same way about coffee!
8 A.M.
“Mom, I got dressed! Can I have a snack now?”
I’m not quite sure when I started this bizarre reward system, but every minor task they complete seems to warrant a treat. It’s like I trained them under some Pavlovian principle. Accomplish a task? Grab a snack!
10 A.M.
“Mom, I’m all buckled! Can I have a snack, please?”
My kids have figured out that I always have backup snacks in my bag whenever we head out. You never know when you might get stuck somewhere, and I certainly don’t want to deal with hangry children.
11:30 A.M.
“It’s the snack store!”
To my kids, the grocery store resembles an endless buffet. So much food! So many options! If I say no to their snack requests, they often help themselves when I’m distracted. I turn my back for one second to grab an eggplant, and suddenly, they’ve got chocolate smeared all over their faces like little ninjas.
1 P.M.
“Mom, this is boring! I need a snack!”
Waiting is torture for them. Whether it’s at the bank, library, or even a red light, a young mind equates stillness with snack time.
4:40 P.M.
“Is it dinnertime yet?”
The moment they walk through the door from school, my kids are already asking for food. I have to keep them satisfied with a snack or risk preparing dinner with a 7-year-old clinging to my leg.
6:45 P.M.
“Mommy? I’m still hungry. Can I have a snack?”
Like clockwork, just 10 minutes after I’ve cleared the dinner table, a sticky hand tugs at my shirt, accompanied by a voice so sweet it could melt your heart. If they’re actually going through a growth spurt, I’ll often relent with a Mini Babybel® cheese that I can feel good about.
8 P.M.
“I need a snack before bed!”
It took me longer than I’d like to admit to realize that when my 6-year-old claims she’s hungry after 7:30 p.m., it’s actually her way of avoiding bedtime. Now it’s just our little signal that sleep is on the horizon.
2 A.M.
“Mom, I can’t sleep. Can I have a snack?”
I wish I could confidently say I’ve never given in to this late-night plea, but it’s 2 a.m., and honestly, who knows. As a mom of two energetic kids, I’m often too exhausted to resist. Despite my better judgment, I’ve yet to let them eat in the middle of the night.
2:05 A.M.
“But I really can’t sleep without something to eat!”
At this point, I’m wide awake, so I might as well join them for a midnight snack.
Some days they ask for snacks more frequently, while other days it’s less. Regardless, “snack” is right up there with “playground” and “playdate” as one of their favorite words.
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In summary, my kids are snack-demanding machines, requesting their favorite treats at all hours. From dawn until dusk (and even into the night), their love for snacks is unwavering.