Now that school's back in session, most kids come home starving.  After all, learning does work up an appetite.  But what do you give them?  Most parents try a balancing act when it comes to after-school snacks: not too big (so it doesn’t spoil their dinner), not too sugary (so they're not bouncing off the walls), and not too plain (because most kids will stage a protest, complete with picket lines, over raw vegetables).

So, what the heck do you feed them without driving yourself crazy?

Don't worry.  We've got some suggestions that will save your sanity.  Some are nutritious and some are just plain fun, but by balancing both you can keep your kids healthy and strong all year long.

Snack #1: Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis
Rating: Fun

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis are the perfect fun snack to give your kids when they get home from school.  After all, what's better than walking in the door and smelling warm brownies?  It's the stuff childhood memories are made of.

Betty Crocker Warm Delights Minis are perfect because you can make them right in your microwave, which means you have more time to actually spend time with your kids rather than cleaning up the kitchen.  Plus, they come in a small portion so your kids (and you!) don't overindulge before dinner.

Snack #2: Fruit Roll Ups
Rating: Fun

Ok, so we've written about Fruit Roll Ups before, but they deserve another honorable mention.  The reason why Fruit Roll Ups make such a great snack is because they're high in Vitamin C, they're very tasty, and they're super fun to play with.  Fruit Roll Ups can be stretched, ripped, braided, and smooshed into a ball.  From a kid's point of view, that's a pretty impressive list of accomplishments for a food source.

Fruit Roll Ups also require no work on your end.  And for any parent trying to get homework and dinner organized at the same time, that's a very good thing.

Snack #3: Quaker Simple Harvest Multigrain Granola Bar
Rating: Healthy

Many parents might think their kids will turn up their noses at a granola bar.  But, that's only because they haven't had a bite of Quaker’s Simple Harvest Granola Bars.  Yes, it's healthy.  But healthy has never tasted so good.

The great thing about Simple Harvest Granola Bars is that they're filled with fruit, nuts, and whole grains.  And they've got enough sweetness so you don't feel like you're chewing cardboard. 

This is a great snack to give your kids after school.  It's tasty and good for them which, as most parents know, are two things that are hard to find together sometimes.

Simple Harvest Granola Bars come in three tasty flavors: Dark Chocolate Chunk, Honey Roasted Nut, and Cinnamon Brown Sugar With Apples and Cranberries.

Snack #4: Hummus and Veggies
Rating: Healthy

Although most kids are unwilling to eat their vegetables raw, give them something to dip them in and it becomes a whole new ballgame.

Hummus dip is the perfect addition for cut up vegetables because it has a unique, tangy flavor, it's low in fat, and high in protein.  Vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, celery and broccoli all work well with hummus. 

If your kids seem a little less than willing to try hummus for the first time, then ham it up.  Explain to them that hummus originated from countries thousands of miles away, and it's a very mysterious and rare dish.  Once you make it a bit exciting, they might be more than ready to dive in and give it a try.

Your kids are going to come home hungry, but with a bit of prep you can balance the fun snacks with the healthy snacks, and keep them from getting bored with too much of either one.