Sometimes kids will eat out of boredom.
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Even though schools officially closed on Wednesday, many kids have been home since last week.
While the school holiday is a fun time for the kids, it can be a stressful time for parents especially when it comes to keeping the kids fed and entertained.
By now kids are already complaining that they are bored and when kids are bored, they tend to turn to food to keep them busy.
Sometimes they are not even hungry but they find themselves walking up and down to the fridge or grocery cupboards to find something to eat.
The end-of-year holiday is the longest holiday, which means parents have to dig deep in their pockets to keep the fridges stocked.
In addition to eating their parents out of house and home, kids still expect Christmas gifts and then there is school stationery that has to be bought as well.
All these expenses add up, making December and January extremely expensive months.
However, there are ways parents can curb all-day snacking that does not necessarily include locking up their cupboards or hiding all the treats.
Here are some tips to keep your kids fed without breaking the bank.
Fortunately, there are practical strategies parents can employ to keep their kids fed without emptying their pockets and it starts with careful planning.
Creating a meal plan for the holidays is essential. Not only does it help reduce those last-minute grocery trips, which often lead to impulse purchases that can spiral costs, but it also allows parents to shop smartly.
Make a shopping list and stick to a budget. Keeping an eye out for sales, and buying non-perishable items in bulk, can lead to significant savings.
Incorporate low-cost staples like pasta, rice, beans, and seasonal vegetables into your meal plans.
Cook in bulk.
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Focusing on efficient cooking practices can be a game-changer.
One-pot meals are a simple, yet effective way to prepare nourishing dishes quickly.
When cooking, aim for large quantities. This way, you can portion meals for freezing. This not only saves time but also cuts down on the number of grocery runs made.
Cooking in batches allows you to create a stockpile of healthy, ready-to-eat meals, keeping expensive takeaways at bay.
Using leftovers creatively, such as turning leftover chicken into sandwiches or salads, is not only economical but also reduces food waste.
Between meals, kids may find themselves hungry, so having a selection of affordable, nutritious snacks on hand is imperative.
Instead of purchasing costly individually packaged items, consider investing in larger quantities that can be portioned out into reusable containers or bags.
Opt for fruits, vegetables, nuts, and yogurts over processed sweets which can be detrimental to both health and your budget.
IOL Lifestyle
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