Four Easy and Healthy After School Snacks for Your Kids

School has started again, and if you have kids, you know that they'll hit the door after school is done for the day hungry. Dinner is hours away, and their stomach is growling like it hasn't been satisfied in days. What is a parent to do? While a bag of chips or crackers is convenient, it's not always the healthiest choice. But, with a little bit of prep time, you can make sure that your child has ready made healthy snacks ready for them when they get home. Here are five simple recipes that either you can make, or better yet, supervise the kids making them when they get home. Either way, you can be sure that they have a healthy and fun snack soon after they walk through the door.

Recipe # 1 Fruit Kabobs

This fun snack is full of fruit, grains and dairy, all tasty powerhouses for a hungry child. You'll need some fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt, some crunchy granola, and some wooden kabob skewers. Start by taking stock of the fresh fruit in your fridge. Things such as bananas, apples, strawberries, peaches and cantaloupe are great choices. Whatever fruit you have, cut it up into bite pieces. Then, either with the help of your children or by yourself pushes the pieces of fruit onto the wooden skewers so that there are approximately six to seven pieces on each one. Set aside on a plate. In a bowl, mix together two parts vanilla yogurt and one part granola. Place both in the fridge and chill for about 10 minutes. When your child is ready, they have a cool, crisp and fun fruit kabob ready for dipping in their very own sauce.

Recipe # 2 "Pizza" Creations

Just about every kid I've ever met loves pizza. This after school snack is a great way for kids to enjoy eating healthy all while enjoying a special treat. It's also a wonderful way for you to learn about how your kid's tastes might have changed. There are three basic parts to these pizzas, and beyond that the possibilities are truly endless. These "parts" consist of the "crust", the "sauce" and the "toppings"

Before your child walks through the door, set out a platter with healthy choices for each of the three parts of the pizzas. The "crust" can consist of anything from crackers to bagels, from toast squares to English muffins. Sauces can be the traditional tomato sauce, peanut butter, softened cream cheese, just about any spread-able, healthy item in your cupboard. Finally, the toppings can include everything from shredded cheese, pieces of lunch meat, fresh vegetables, and fresh fruit. Again there are many possibilities, so be sure to use your imagination and be adventurous.

Once you've got the platter assembled, the fun can really begin. Start by showing your child how to assemble his or her "pizza" making sure they realize that they will be making their own choices and eating their own pizza. Since you've supplied all the ingredients, you'll know that they'll be having a nutritious snack. Plus, it's fun to watch some of the crazy combinations that they can come up with. Once their pizzas, offer to place them under the broiler or in the microwave for a few minutes to melt or toast any of the ingredients. And remember, this snack is also about creativity and exploring new ideas. So when your child puts together a seemingly strange combination, don't shy away from it. Who knows? That cracker peanut butter and green pepper pizza might just be the next big thing.

Recipe # 3 Blueberry Smoothie

This is an extremely easy recipe that offers your kids a refreshing drink, a dose of antioxidants, and the fresh berry taste that they're sure to love. What's more, about the only two pieces of equipment that you'll need are a blender and a tall glass.

Start with about ¼ cup of cranberry juice. Add it to the blender, along with one 8 ounce container of low fat blueberry yogurt, and about ½ cup of blueberries, frozen or fresh. Place the lid on the blender and blend until everything is nice and frothy. Pour into a tall glass, and let your kid enjoy.

Recipe # 4 Ham and Cheese Rolls ups

If dinner is a few hours away, chances are the after school snack needs to be a little more substantial than a simple smoothie or handful of crackers. For those times it's important to make sure that they have a bit of protein along with their carbohydrates or dairy. This simple recipe is a great way to satisfy their hunger without spoiling their dinner.

Start with some sliced ham; you can usually buy it prepackaged in the deli area of your store, or have the deli person slice some for you, about an eighth of an inch thick. For each slice, spread some softened cream cheese on one side. Next, roll each piece into a tube, and cut each tube into bite size pieces. Each piece should look like a spiral of ham and cream cheese, ready to be popped in the mouth. Have about a dozen of these bite size morsels available for snacking when the kids come home and chances are they won't reach for the potato chips.

Recipes like these not only allow you to have easy and healthy after school snacks for your children, but they can also be a way for you to re-connect in a day in age where spending time together is difficult. So remember, as you're making time to prepare these healthy snacks, save some time to enjoy them with your family.