How to Pack a Nutritious Kindergarten Snack

The kindergarten school day can be quite exhausting for children. The need to focus, be still and attentive and develop fine motor skills necessary for writing are trying to their little bodies. Packing a nutritious snack can ensure that your child has the fuel necessary to make it through the day. Provide a combination of carbohydrates and protein, along with a liquid to fuel the remainder of the day.

Instructions

1. Consider a half sandwich. The bread, especially if it's whole wheat, will provide carbohydrates to minimize dips in blood sugar. Peanut butter and jelly is a good option if your child's class allows nut products. The peanut butter is a good source of protein and the jelly makes it sweet and yummy.

2. Pack cheese and crackers. Kids love cheese in any form: sticks, round baby cheeses in wax or sliced. Multigrain crackers provide a good source of fiber and carbs that will keep him fueled for the long morning.

3. Pack veggies and dip. Carrots with ranch dressing are always a favorite, though be sure to pack the ranch dressing in something that keeps it cool to minimize the potential for bacteria growth.

4. Provide a drink. Kids get thirsty, so provide either a reusable water bottle (that you wash each day) or enroll in the milk program in your district.

5. Avoid sweets like cupcakes, fruit rolls or cookies. While flat fruit from Trader Joe's is a good choice, other fruit rolls are fruit in only the vaguest sense. These and the aforementioned baked goods are too high in processed ingredients and sugar to be of nutritional value to your child. You'll likely find your child is cranky and hungry with this type of snack, which can impede her learning ability.