I ask my kids this question at least five times a day (per kid) during summer break.
They’re out of school, sleeping in, and then the second boredom hits, everybody suddenly needs a snack. I’ll fix them lunch and then watch them wander into the kitchen 10 minutes later rummaging through the cabinets like they haven’t eaten in weeks. “I’m hungry.” No, I think you’re just standing in front of the cabinets because you don’t know what else to do.
Summer creates this weird combination of extra free time, constant grazing, and kids acting like the kitchen is the main event of the day.
Even as a mom, I relate to this. I get it. I boredom-eat too. Don’t we all? We scroll. We snack. We wander into the kitchen hoping something exciting has magically appeared in the refrigerator since the last time we checked six minutes ago. Kids just do it louder. I’ve realized a lot of summer snacking has less to do with hunger and more to do with stimulation. Eating becomes something to do. Especially when screens are limited, it’s too hot outside, or everyone starts getting restless halfway through the afternoon.
So this summer, instead of becoming the Snack Police, I’m trying a few different things:
I Make Them Pause Before Grabbing Food
Not in a toxic “earn your food” way. Just a quick: “Are you actually hungry or are you bored?”
Honestly, half the time they don’t even know. It causes my kids to pause, giggle, and admit that they might just be bored. It’s a good way to teach self-awareness. It won’t make the habit go away completely, but it’s a good way to walk them through the choices they’re making.
I try not to schedule every second
This sounds backward, but kids who never learn how to sit with boredom end up needing constant stimulation. Often, kids expect us to become cruise directors when boredom hits, but boredom isn’t always a bad thing. It’s what pushes them toward creativity. It’s tempting to give in, but try to ride out the “I’m bored” whines and see what comes of it.
I put the boring snacks out first
Fruit.
Popcorn.
Cheese sticks.
Whatever disappears slower than the expensive snacks I bought two days ago.
I accept that summer is basically one long grocery bill
There’s vacation, there’s camping trips, and then there are the days my children are surviving entirely on popsicles and shredded cheese. Those are probably the memories they’ll remember most anyway. One of my kids eats a gluten free diet and those bills get sky-high, so every May, I just prepare myself for empty wallets and cabinets.
Look for any summer nutrition programs and (most importantly), THANK THEM!
If your cabinets are getting bare, roll up to one of these spots to get snacks for your kids, and don’t forget to be gracious to those who deliver and hand out food.
Anderson, Blount, and Cumberland County
