K ids thrive when they have a set schedule. Setting consistent times to eat meals and snacks will help your child come to the table ready to eat. And, it will help meal times go smoother. Use the guide below to help plan a schedule that works for you and your family.

1.  Schedule meals and snacks at times that will work for your family.

Ask yourself the questions below to help you set your schedule:

Breakfast: What time does your family wake up in the morning?
When is a good time to have breakfast?

Lunch: When is naptime? What other activities or commitments take place around late morning or early afternoon?
When would be a good time to have lunch?

Dinner: What time does your family go to bed? How much time would you like in between dinner and bedtime?      
What time would be a good time to have dinner?

Once you have the three larger mealtimes set, think about adding in a couple of planned snack times. As a general guideline, you can add the first snack halfway between breakfast and lunch. And, offer a second snack halfway between lunch and dinner. Something else to watch for are hunger cues. Does your child consistently show signs of hunger at a set time each day? If so, consider scheduling snacktime then. 

Snack #1: When would be a good time to have a midmorning snack?

Snack #2: It is late afternoon! What is happening in your home at this time?
When would be a good time to offer an afternoon snack?

2. Write out the schedule you just planned out.

Include times of day for breakfast, snack #1, lunch, snack #2, and dinner. Post this in your kitchen so each family member knows what to expect.

3. Go over your meal and snack schedule with your family.

Consider making a paper clock to hang next to the schedule. This is a good way to begin to teach your children about time and schedules.

4. Use this schedule over the next two weeks.

If one or more of the times you have set for your schedule does not work, make a change. Then, commit to sticking to it for another couple of weeks. Being consistent with your schedule will help your children know what to expect.