Back to school is on everyone’s mind as all of the stores are promoting school supplies and clothing sales. As a parent maybe you have signed up to take a turn as snack time mom or I remember coming home from school I was always hungry. Thinking of my kids, I’m always looking for the healthier option for snack time. By cutting out sugar or finding tings low in sugar snack time remains a healthy time. Here are a few ideas on how to keep snack time creative and healthy.

Freeze your yogurt cups. Yogurt can be frozen for up to about a year. You’ll want to check on that and verify with specific brands websites. Pull them out of the freezer and serve them, the texture is a little different but it’s like eating ice cream to the kids.

Serve Popcorn on a string. Popcorn is a very healthy low-fat snack when you leave off all the butter and salt and what child can resist pulling off one piece at a time or eating it like a necklace.

Make Ants on a log. Cut up celery about four inches in length and then slater on some peanut butter, soy butter or apple butter depending on preferences and allergies, then top with a few raisins.

Homemade/semi-homemade granola is easier than you think. Of course you can mix up some rolled oats, nuts and whatever else you like in your granola use a little butter and syrup to make it sticky and bake it until it is golden brown, or just put the pieces together of pre-made items like I do. I like to buy a few flavors of dried fruit, pre-made granola, cheerios, and add a few chocolate chips.

Cut and create Fresh Fruit Cones. Serve up some fresh fruit in an ice cream cone. Cut up pieces of fruit, or if you’re like me just buy a container of already cut up fruit from the grocery store. You might have to make some of the pieces smaller to fit in the ice cream cone but the smile on your kids face will make it all worth it.

By guest blogger, Louise Bishop, 

Ok moms, let’s face it, kids are always on the go, especially in the summer. Sometimes it can be difficult to get them to stop every now and then to take a sip of something cool. Small children can get dehydrated pretty quickly on those hot summer days, and it’s not always easy to get them to drink their water. I just want to give you five tips and tricks to keep your kids hydrated and ready for all those fun summer activities. And by the way, these aren’t just for the kids, moms need to take care of themselves, too! 

Tip # 1: Either mostly or completely cut out soda from your child’s diet. There is no nutritional value in it, and all it does is dehydrate their body even more than it already is. If your child is going to miss the soda, try giving them water with some fruit slices that will naturally add some flavor and sweetness.

Tip #2: Provide your children with snacks that will not only fill them up, but hydrate them. For example, cucumbers are almost completely made up of water, which makes them a light, refreshing snack. Other good choices are watermelon, citrus fruits, grape tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers. If your child gets turned off by the veggies, try cutting them into fun shapes or providing a healthy dip like yogurt or hummus, which also gives them a protein punch.

Tip #3: This one helps when you have kids who are too “busy” playing to stop to munch a snack, is to make it fun. My daughter almost always comes running when I make fruit caterpillars for her. All you need are toothpicks and fruit (just be careful if you give these to small children). Kids can even help make these, which can be a fun learning activity as well. Your child can make patterns with the fruit alternating grapes, blueberries, strawberries, or kiwi pieces. You can also make veggie caterpillars, which when you add some small pieces of cheese, adds some protein as well. The munching possibilities are endless!

Tip #4: Here’s a simple one, if you know you’re heading outside to be in the sun, try to get your kids to drink some extra liquids before you leave, so you won’t have to worry quite as much once you get to your sunny destination.

Tip #5: When your kids have their hydrating snacks and drinks, make sure you join them! It’s just as important that mommies take care of themselves as well. You set the example for your kids, so if they see you taking care of yourself, chances are they’ll follow!

By guest blogger Marina Hentz, http://betterinbulk.net/2010/06/lollis-guide-to-savvy-parenting.html