Le Goûter

I read a blog post about Le Goûter in the spring and immediately loved the idea! It’s basically a fancy french word for after school snack (and 4 year olds saying french words is the CUTEST)

French people, correct me if I’m wrong here, but basically in France, kids are met at the school gate with a sweet snack to keep them going through afternoon sports etc. Apparently a common snack is a baguette with squares of chocolate inside, as well as pain au chocolates, YUM. M has a seriously sweet tooth and really looks forward to a sweet treat in the afternoon. I do try and mix it up a little with savoury items but it’s mostly sweet if I’m honest. Sometimes its a special occasion and we bake or buy cookies or doughnuts but often it’s as simple as jam on toast or a smoothie. Either way, it’s a moment to pause and sit together for a few moments every day.

I found that this designated time in the afternoon helps to stop the “I’m HUUUUUNGRY” whines and helps to stop snacking all afternoon, especially on days we’re all home together like in the holidays.

I think most importantly though, it makes a easy space for making an ordinary moment special – afternoon snack doesn’t inspire me to get out the fancy plates as much as le Goûter – and this has made space for lots of lovely moments with the kids.

What snack or meal traditions have you created in your family?