I'm not clear when its okay to give snacks, for example if we are in a traffic jam and my timing has gone wrong. My child is two years old (received by email to Riverside Cares)

Jill:  It’s a good idea to have a few healthy ‘dry’ snacks in your child’s bag for those, what can be stressful, emergency moments. You can keep a small stock (watch that they remain in-date) of healthy items such as mini rice cakes, small packets of raisins, or unsweetened popcorn to stave off the hunger pangs. Getting the amount right is very dependent on the situation – a hungry two-year-old who is a few minutes from home needs a small amount. If you can see you are really in a traffic jam then give more. If a child gets very stressed and unhappy it might be that they are less likely to eat a meal when they get home. I haven’t mentioned carrot sticks as a backup plan simply because I’m thinking you mean that all the lunch/afternoon foods you had have all gone but of course if you still have something in the bag it’s also fine!
Riverside Cares can be contacted at info@riversidecares.co.uk.
Jill Wheatcroft is available for one-to-one consultations (for now via Zoom/phone)
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