Now that school is out, the snacking can be out of control! I had this idea last year, and wanted to share how we control that boredom snacking around here. First, I printed some fake money that I found online here. I told the kids that at the beginning of the week they get 5 $1’s and 5 $5’s. They can use it as they’d like, but ideally they would spend a $1 and a $5 bill each day. They can use it anytime in the day, but I’ve encouraged snack time to be around 10am and 3pm–as it usually is when they are in school.
This is our stash of $1 dollar items. Generally crackers, yogurt, pretzels. Not quite healthy snacks, but snacks of the lighter fair.
I let them each pick a non healthy snack that they must use their $5 bill for. Something fun each day.
Below are FREE! They can have fruit and veggies whenever they want, and this usually comes in late afternoon after they’ve already used their money allotment for the day.
Together, we portioned out the cookies depending on size.
Here are the crackers portioned out in the $1 dollar box. I like to recycle ziplock bags, so I ask them to put them back in the box when they are done.
This sits on our pantry shelf with the bills on them to remind them exactly what is in each box.
Ready for a snack?
The kids have really enjoyed this money exchange and get excited about it. It helps me have a little control over the food at home as well and makes us all happy! How do you streamline snacking around your home?
{Snacks can be modified according to your family preferences}
