Comfort in Crunch

As I sit down to write this blog post, I can’t help but eye the snack cupboard like it’s a treasure trove waiting to be raided. With five children running around the house like a stampede of miniature elephants, maintaining my sanity has become a full-time job. And let’s be honest—when the stress piles up, there’s nothing quite like a chocolate bar to offer that temporary solace. But is that really helping me? Spoiler alert: no!

Let’s start with the circus I call home. With the joyful chaos of five children, each with their own unique brand of lunacy, my peaceful moments are few and far between. Whether it’s the toddler insisting on donning his superhero cape to the toilet or the relentless negotiations over who gets the last biscuit, my stress levels have their own postcode. Just the other day, as I stealthily opened a packet of crisps, my nine-year-old shouted from across the room, “Mum, are you eating those as fuel or just for fun?” 

Talk about busted!

When the world gets too hectic, I often find myself retreating to my beloved snack cupboard—a sanctuary of sorts where nobody—the kids, the cat, not anybody —dares to follow. It’s my little hideaway, and if I’m being honest, it’s become more of a refuge than I’d like to admit. What begins as a quest for a bit of sustenance can quickly devolve into a full-on binge, with wrappers piling up like evidence at a crime scene.

I know that my relationship with food isn’t exactly healthy. It’s an addiction, and I can feel it gripping me tighter each day. Sure, I’ll grab a chocolate bar and convince myself it’s just for “fuel” to keep up with the mayhem, but in reality, it’s more about finding comfort in the chaos. My five little bundles of joy rarely help with my stress and anxiety; instead, they seem to have an innate knack for pushing my buttons while simultaneously asking me questions that require PhD-level answers—like “Mom, why is the sky blue?” when I’m desperately trying to figure out why my snack stash is disappearing faster than I can replenish it.

The truth is, finding comfort in food can be a slippery slope. What starts as a momentary escape evolves into a routine, and soon enough, I’m reaching for sweet treats the moment tension rises. The kids might be screaming to play tag while I’m on the phone with the doctor, and what do I do? I dash to the snack cupboard to grab a few crisps—or, let’s be real, the whole bag. It’s not just about taste; it’s about finding that fleeting sense of calm in my otherwise manic world.

But is this healthy? Absolutely not. I know I need to change. I want to model a better relationship with food for my children, but how on earth can I do that when I’m battling my own cravings? It’s a challenge, and one that I’m determined to tackle. I’ve started swapping out my chocolate bars for healthier snacks—hello, fruit!—and focusing on my emotions rather than the food. If only I could get the kids to play quietly while I indulge in my self-care moments, we’d all be much better off!

And here’s a tip for you guys: maybe try involving the kids in the journey! I’ve begun to experiment with recipes, assuring them that if they help, they get to be the official taste testers. Currently, they think kale is a food made only for fury little rabbits! I’ll try another food. If I can sneak in a healthier option while keeping them entertained, I’ll call that a win.

So here I am, navigating the minefield of parenthood while trying to redefine my relationship with food. I aim to find balance while keeping my sense of humour intact. My kids are wild; they can stress me out like there’s no tomorrow, but they also bring so much joy into my life, even in the midst of chaos. Maybe, just maybe, I can channel that energy into healthier habits instead of reaching for the sweet, sugary comfort of my beloved chocolate bar.

Here’s to the journey ahead—one snack, one tantrum, and one giggle at a time! And to all the other parents out there: when in doubt, just remember that chocolate does indeed count as a food group—at least in our house!