I've noticed that as summer is in full swing, so are my children's appetites! I've recently instituted, "The Bottom Drawer" as way to help appease their growling tummies and growing bodies.

I've packed the bottom drawer of our fridge with healthy, easy-to-eat snacks that my older children (ages 7, 6, and 4) can help themselves to - without having to ask. I simply asked them to use wisdom and to shut the door when done. You would have thought that I gave them a $50 bill and keys to the van!

Giving your children room to grow means giving them opportunities to grow.

Ever since I started The Bottom Drawer idea, I've noticed that when my older three are hungry, they are asking me for a snack less and less and getting one for themselves more and more. They are showing initiative and taking responsibility, and I am proud of them. And, they are proud of themselves for being allowed to do it. 

Make it your own:

• Ensure your child(ren) can physically open/shut the fridge door and/or drawer.
• Have clear rules.
• Stock it with their favorite grab-and-go snacks.
• Try and keep it healthy...but don't be afraid of keeping it fun either. (Slip in a candy bar every once in a while for a reaction and also to enjoy with them.)

Snack ideas:

• yogurt tubes
• string cheese
• apples/applesauce
• grapes
• cherries