was pretty tough when the kids were smaller...all the other moms were going for coffee and shopping, and I was going home to write papers and then go to work at night. I'm glad I did it -- the level of security of me and my family is wonderful. I would tackle the snack habit. Prepare and carry fruit, veggies or from scratch sandwiches, cakes, salads to be eaten in picnic style to keep the wolves from the door till you get home. Then have a good soup (use the slow cooker to cook from scratch) at the family table and talk about the day events as a family. My two kids are only 6 and 4. I think that as we see the road ahead for the next 5-10 years, I will work on making it a priority for them to be able to prepare their own snacks and help with meals before they pick up the activities that would require a time crunch. Otherwise, this ship could sink or wear me out. Will it work? It will help. My two boys (grade 4 and 2) make their lunch for school the evening before. One begs to be allowed to make salad for dinner, the other loves to bake, and can make cake/pie, etc. largely unaided. I credit this to my wife (SAHM, part-time musician/teacher) encouraging them to help in the kitchen even when their 'help' cost time, mess, etc. They got to taste, to experiment, to feel they