PARENTS, LET’S RETHINK WHAT WE PACK AS CHILDREN’S SNACKS.
Biscuits.
A sweetened drink.
Something in a colourful wrapper with a cartoon character on it.
Maybe some chin chin.
You didn’t pack these things because you’re a bad parent or because you’re lazy.
You packed them because they are convenient, easy to carry, don’t spoil quickly, and—most importantly—you know your child will eat them.
But have you ever stopped to think about what happens after that snack is eaten?
A snack loaded with added sugar can cause blood glucose to rise quickly, followed by a drop in energy later. For some children, this may affect how energetic, settled, or attentive they feel in class.
By late morning, the child may become restless, tired, hungry, or unable to concentrate.
And sometimes, we are quick to label the child:
"He is difficult."
"She doesn't pay attention."
"This child cannot sit still."
But sometimes, what a child eats may be part of the picture.
This is not about blaming parents.
The reality is that many convenient children's snacks are highly processed and contain a lot of added sugar. And in our hot weather, parents also have to think about foods that can survive in a lunch box until lunchtime.
So what can you try instead?
Boiled eggs
Groundnuts
Coconut
Roasted plantain
Cheese — preferably kept cool
Boiled corn
You don't have to completely change your child's lunch box overnight.
*Start with ONE small change.*
Replace just one sugary or highly processed snack with a more filling, less sugary option.
Try it consistently for a couple of weeks and observe your child's energy, hunger, and behaviour in school.
You can even ask the teacher whether they have noticed any difference.
*Small changes can make a big difference.*
Let's be more intentional about what goes into our children's lunch boxes.
*Share this post and tag a parent who may find it helpful.*
Biscuits.
A sweetened drink.
Something in a colourful wrapper with a cartoon character on it.
Maybe some chin chin.
You didn’t pack these things because you’re a bad parent or because you’re lazy.
You packed them because they are convenient, easy to carry, don’t spoil quickly, and—most importantly—you know your child will eat them.
But have you ever stopped to think about what happens after that snack is eaten?
A snack loaded with added sugar can cause blood glucose to rise quickly, followed by a drop in energy later. For some children, this may affect how energetic, settled, or attentive they feel in class.
By late morning, the child may become restless, tired, hungry, or unable to concentrate.
And sometimes, we are quick to label the child:
"He is difficult."
"She doesn't pay attention."
"This child cannot sit still."
But sometimes, what a child eats may be part of the picture.
This is not about blaming parents.
The reality is that many convenient children's snacks are highly processed and contain a lot of added sugar. And in our hot weather, parents also have to think about foods that can survive in a lunch box until lunchtime.
So what can you try instead?
Boiled eggs Groundnuts Coconut Roasted plantain Cheese — preferably kept cool Boiled cornYou don't have to completely change your child's lunch box overnight.
*Start with ONE small change.*
Replace just one sugary or highly processed snack with a more filling, less sugary option.
Try it consistently for a couple of weeks and observe your child's energy, hunger, and behaviour in school.
You can even ask the teacher whether they have noticed any difference.
*Small changes can make a big difference.*
Let's be more intentional about what goes into our children's lunch boxes.
*Share this post and tag a parent who may find it helpful.*