SNACKING on the kids’ tea or leftovers is something we’re all guilty of from time-to-time. Whether it be nuggets and chips, spaghetti bolognese or sandwiches and veggie sticks, there’s usually something to help yourself to. Particularly as children can sometimes leave their tea - they really enjoyed it last week but for some reason today, they turn their noses up at it! It can feel very wasteful - of your time, energy and money - when food has to go in the bin.
So it’s no wonder that sometimes parents end up eating the leftovers, even if you have a meal planned for yourself a couple of hours later. Apart from worrying about waste, are there other reasons why parents eat their kids’ leftovers? Counsellor Georgina Sturmer says tiredness is a common reason why parents pick at food. By teatime, your energy levels can start to feel depleted but you’ve still got to get through bedtime before you can relax and sit down.
Having a nibble on something might feel like a nice reward for dealing with tricky behaviour or tired children. Sturmer says: “When we are tired, it’s tempting to assume that grabbing some food will fuel us up for the rest of the day. It also makes it easier for us to mindlessly graze on the food that’s in front of us.
” So, what can parents do to stop themselves from picking at those leftovers? Paediatric dietitian and food specialist Lucy Upton says filling up on a protein-rich lunch can be a great way of stopping you from reaching for the cold w.
