Help Kids Thrive with These Smart Snacks & Parenting Tips

We all want to raise happy, active, and well-rounded kids. To do so successfully, it’s important to find snacks and activities that strike the right balance between wholesome and “fun.”

Read on for ways to help kids thrive academically, physically and socially, while also keeping them happy and smiling. Let’s dive in!

Why Are Snacks Important for a Child?

The importance of snacks in school is clear. Giving kids better-for-you snacks can help improve their concentration, enhance their cognitive function, maintain steady energy levels, and provide the mental boost they need to perform at their best.

Lower-Sugar Snack Ideas

Providing lower-sugar snacks for kids doesn’t mean sacrificing taste or fun. With a little creativity, you can offer lots of options that your kids will love—and that will keep them energized throughout the day. Try these ideas:

Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits

Layer unsweetened Greek yogurt with fresh fruits like berries, kiwi, or sliced bananas. Add a sprinkle of granola for crunch. The natural sweetness of fruit makes it a hit with kids.

Veggie Sticks with Hummus

Cut carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into fun shapes or sticks. Pair them with hummus for a nutrient-packed, savory snack that kids love to dip into.

Apples with Nut Butter

If you’re wondering how to stop kids from snacking so much, choose protein-packed options that will keep them satiated. Slice apples and pair them with almond or peanut butter for a satisfying snack that combines fiber and protein. For a nut-free alternative, try sunflower butter.

Cheese and Whole-Grain Crackers

A classic combination that never gets old. Opt for low-sodium whole-grain crackers and pair them with cheese slices or cubes for a filling, protein-rich treat.

Homemade Energy Balls

Blend oats, unsweetened cocoa powder, peanut butter, and a small amount of honey. Roll them into bite-sized balls for a grab-and-go snack packed with nutrients.

Frozen Banana Bites

Slice bananas into bite-sized pieces, dip them in melted dark chocolate, and freeze. These mini treats feel indulgent but are low in added sugar.

Mini Veggie Pizzas

Top whole-grain English muffin halves with marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, and chopped veggies. Bake until the cheese melts for a savory, low-sugar snack.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Slice hard-boiled eggs in half and sprinkle them with a pinch of salt, paprika, or everything bagel seasoning. They’re an excellent source of protein and healthy fats.

Parmesan Popcorn

Air-popped popcorn sprinkled with a touch of parmesan cheese is a crunchy, satisfying snack without added sugar.

Homemade Smoothies

Blend unsweetened almond milk, spinach, a frozen banana, and a handful of berries for a nutrient-packed smoothie that tastes like dessert but keeps sugar low.

Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks Reduced Sugar

Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks Reduced Sugar are made with Whole Fruit as the main ingredient for the delicious taste the whole family loves. They have 25% less sugar than regular Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks and 100 percent of the mouthwatering taste. Toss them in your kid’s backpack or lunchbox for a convenient, on-the-go treat!

What are the Seven C’s of Parenting?

Parenting brings joy and fulfillment—but it’s not for the weak! To navigate the everyday hustle and bustle of raising kids, it can be helpful to have a framework of parenting tips like the Seven C’s of Parenting.

What are the seven C’s of parenting? It’s a roadmap designed by Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg to help parents build strength and resilience in their children. These steps for effective parenting aim to guide parents in raising well-rounded, successful, and emotionally healthy kids. Here’s a helpful breakdown:

1. Competence

Competence is all about helping kids develop the skills they need to handle challenges and achieve their goals—preferably on their own. To foster competence, try these 5 parenting skills and tips:

• Encourage kids to try new things
• Praise their efforts, not just outcomes
• Allow them to make mistakes and learn from them
• Avoid the urge to be over-protective
• Give them opportunities for them to solve problems independently

2. Confidence

Confidence comes when you build a child’s belief in their abilities and sense of self-worth. Here are a few tips on how to parent a kid who needs a confidence boost:

• Highlight their strengths and accomplishments
• Avoid over-criticizing or doing everything for them
• Teach them to view setbacks as opportunities for growth

3. Connection

Connection centers on creating strong, secure relationships with family, friends, and the community. Here are a few parenting tips to foster connection:

• Spend quality time with your child without distractions
• Listen actively and validate their feelings
• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities. One of our favorite back to school tips for parents is to go over different options for clubs and sports together during the late summer. This way they can feel confident in their choice of activity before school starts.

4. Character

We build character in our kids when we instill in them a sense of values and ethics. Try these positive parenting tips to foster character:

• Model the behavior you want to see, such as kindness, honesty, and respect
• Talk about moral dilemmas and encourage critical thinking about right and wrong
• Praise them for acts of kindness and integrity

5. Contribution

Contribution is all about encouraging children to understand their role in the world and the importance of giving back. Try these effective parenting pointers to foster contribution:

• Involve them in age-appropriate community service or household responsibilities
• Teach them about the impact of their actions on others
• Recognize and celebrate their efforts to help or contribute

6. Coping

Coping centers on teaching children strategies to manage stress and navigate challenges. Here are a few ideas to foster coping:

• Help them identify and express their emotions constructively
• Teach relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness
• Encourage healthy outlets for stress, like physical activity or creative hobbies

7. Control

Control means helping children understand that they have a say in their lives and can influence outcomes through their choices. To foster control, try these positive parenting tips:

• Allow them to make age-appropriate decisions
• Set clear, consistent boundaries while explaining the reasons behind them
• Teach them about cause and effect to help them understand the consequences of their actions

Help Your Kids Be Their Best Selves

We hope our tips on parenting skills and good eating habits for a child were helpful for you as you navigate this wild journey called parenthood.

When looking for low sugar snacks for kids that will help them stick to better eating habits, consider Welch’s^® Fruit Snacks Reduced Sugar! They make great lunch box ideas and excellent back to school snacks—and are the ultimate kid-approved and parent-approved treat