Practical ways to satisfy hungry kids without overspending this holiday
When kids are on holiday they want to eat all day long.
Image: Freepik
It’s the middle of the school holidays, and while parents are happy to be getting a break from the crazy morning routines and enjoying more time with their kids, many are secretly counting down the days until schools reopen next week.
With kids at home all day, the snacks seem to vanish faster than the Wi-Fi signal and the words “Mommy, I’m hungry” seem to be on repeat from sunrise to sunset.
Not only is it the middle of the holidays, but it’s the middle of the month.
A time when most parents start to feel the financial pinch, which is made even worse by the kids eating nonstop.
However, there are a few ways you can keep the little ones satisfied without spending a fortune.
With a little planning and creativity, you can keep your kids full, happy, and well-fed without overspending.
Kids want to eat all day long.
Image: Freepik
Plan your meals and snacks
Now I know we’ve all heard this before, but meal planning really is your best friend.
Not only does it help avoid food waste, but it also means you’re less likely to panic-buy expensive items at the last minute.
Plan breakfast, lunch, and snacks ahead of time, and involve your kids so they know what to expect and stop asking for Uber Eats every hour.
Cook in batches
When cooking, you might as well make large portions.
Opt for kid-friendly meals like spaghetti bolognese, macaroni and cheese, roast chicken and rice.
Freeze leftovers in smaller containers so you always have a backup meal on hand.
Make meals in bulk.
Image: Vanessa Loring / Pexels
Get creative with sandwiches
Bread is budget-friendly, and you can do so much with it.
If your kids are tired of peanut butter and jam, why not try egg mayo, tuna mixed with mayo and always have grated cheese at hand.
Who doesn’t love an old-fashioned cheese toastie?
Buy in bulk
Buying larger packs of rice, pasta, maize meal, and frozen vegetables usually works out cheaper per serving.
Just make sure you store them properly to avoid waste.
Cut back on sweet and prepackaged treats
They’re not only expensive, but they also tend to disappear very quickly. If you buy them, take them out for special occasions. Hide them if you have to!
Keep snacks budget-friendly
Snacks don’t need to come in colourful packaging or cost a small fortune. Here are some affordable snack options that kids love:
- Popcorn - Kids love popcorn, but those microwave packets are very expensive. Buy a bag of kernels instead, and make them yourself.
- Boiled eggs - You can make many at a time, and they are a high-protein, healthy and filling snack.
Boiled eggs are a simple high-protein snack.
Image: Faris Mohammed / Unsplash
- Fruit - Fruits that are in season are always cheaper. You can never go wrong with bananas and apples.
- Homemade muffins - This can be a fun activity for the kids and so much cheaper than grabbing a pack at the shops. Include ingredients like oats and bananas for a healthy filling snack.
- Yoghurt with sliced fruit – Buy a large tub of plain yoghurt, instead of the expensive fruit-flavoured ones, and add your own fruit or a drizzle of honey.
IOL Lifestyle