The Most Important Parenting Tip…

If you asked me my number one tip for parenting, you’d probably be surprised. Yes, I could tell you things about being gentle on yourself or about being consistent. We could talk about how unpredictable children are, how the moment you think you’ve got parenting sorted, they change and once again you’re on the back foot. How accepting that’s going to happen will save you weeks of torment. Or I could be honest with you and tell you the most important thing I’ve learnt is this…

Always carry snacks.

Insightful isn’t it? But whilst I sit back and wait for the publishing houses to ring with offers of parenting book deals, I’ll elaborate a little. As a parent, snacks are your best friend. Calling them a bribe sounds like such a dirty word for such an innocent ‘persuader’ of good behaviour. Got a bored toddler in the supermarket? Whip out snacks. Off on a long car journey? Whip out snacks. Trying to write a blog post when you should be parenting? Whip out snacks. *Disclaimer: this is definitely not something I’d do*. Best of all, it’s one of the few things that has the ability to stop a tantrum mid-flow. I mean, if a well-aimed snack doesn’t work then you know this is a proper meltdown and it’s time to call in reinforcements.

But aren’t snacks a bad thing?

I used to associate snacks with being unhealthy. For me, a snack was a chocolate bar or a bag of crisps. A meal was a full blown affair and a snack was a sweet treat in between. It’s no wonder that I struggled with my weight. But since joining the parenting world, I’ve learnt to re-embrace snacks as part of our daily routine. The truth is, at home, my son is a child that prefers to graze. I get glowing reports of his eating at nursery only to be met with rejection after rejection of meals at home. So for us, a picnic style, snack based lunchbox works wonders, it’s easy to take around in the baby bag with us. Plus it means I can whip out a bit here and there throughout the day – distraction techniques working to my full advantage.

What kind of snacks do we go for?

Our snacks and picnic lunches consist of a variety of items; from sausage rolls to yoghurts, grapes through to crackers. I aim to go for a mix of fruit with a couple of packets of ready-bought things such as items from the Organix ‘Goodies’ range. Whilst I used to try and make homemade oat bars, the reality of being a working parent means it just doesn’t happen. And when you work out the details, it takes a lot for me to rival the ingredients and care that goes into these foods. From soft oaty bars to cheese crackers, each one is made with organic ingredients with no unnecessary bits thrown in. I have to admit, they’re delicious – especially the Carrot Stix corn puffs – we may have ‘shared’ a packet or two of them mid-car ride in our time. What started as a small love for their Raspberry and Blueberry Rice Cakes during weaning has turned into a full blown love affair, marked only by a trail of crumbs and purple tinted lips. Fun fact: Did you know they’ve sold 1.6billion of them?! Oh and don’t get me started on the Gingerbread Men, I can credit them for preventing this morning’s meltdown when someone got out of bed on the wrong side.

Twenty Five Years In The Making

The thing I like about Organix is that they’re genuinely committed to improving nutrition for children. They’ve worked on major campaigns that have resulted in big changes to how food is labelled and delivered to children, including Jamie’s school dinners campaign. All in all, we think they deserve a pretty big celebration this year as they turn 25 years old and so do they! To help celebrate, we’ve teamed up with Organix to offer a hamper of lovely bits from their range. With products suited for babies, toddlers and beyond, there’s something for everyone to enjoy with this wonderful prize! Why not have a go below? Remember, a snack is a parent’s best friend. You’re welcome.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize is a hamper of Organix baby and toddler snacks, there is no monetary exchange available. The prize will be distributed by Organix direct to the winner, Devon Mama cannot be held responsible for lost prizes. All winner decisions are final, the winner has 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be drawn. Contest closes at 12.00am on Monday 7th August. UK Entrants Only.