Bedtime snacks
It's a good idea if...
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It’s often a good idea to give bedtime snacks!
Personally, I need something (and that something is a bowl of ice cream) before bed. It settles my stomach.
Considerations:
If your dinnertime is a bit early, as we discussed, your teens are going to be hungry before bed.
If your toddlers ate at 4-ish, they might be hungry after their baths, before bed. You can tell if they are not sleeping very well.
Most people sleep better with a little snack of something with carbs and some protein. My father (who was Egyptian), loved having a slice of watermelon with a slice of feta cheese just before bed, eaten with a fork and knife (and it always amuses me to see people making “salads” out of this unadorned pairing).
My good friend (known to my blog readers as Auntie Therese) always served graham crackers and a small glass of milk to her kids in the late evening.
Teens might need what amounts to a small meal and that is valid — and they can clean up after themselves. Toddlers might be happy with half a piece of toast with butter and honey.
What is not a good idea is having a kitchen that’s just a free-for-all. It never gets clean; no one ever stops eating. Instead, organize an uncomplicated go-to, after postprandial read-alouds and summer evening walks, that everyone can depend on and is easy to clean up.
Honestly, a small ice cream cone creates only one utensil to be washed!
Some very nice, cozy memories can be made with this simple custom. “We always had —” is what you’re aiming for.
As with everything here at the SFH, the best thing is for you to take my ideas, which come from my experience of escaping feminism to enjoy the gift of 45 years of marriage, seven children, and more than a score of grandchildren, and apply them to your situation with discernment, prudence, and confidence — and a sense of humor!
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For the longer version:
My book on how to live with the Liturgical Year: The Little Oratory