For many families, the traditional dinner time has been a long-standing ritual, typically falling between 5:30 and 7:00 p.m. But a growing number of parents are bucking tradition by serving dinner much earlier—right after school. This trend, which has gained popularity on social media, is being hailed as a game-changer for maintaining calm and happiness in the household.
One of the early dinner advocates is Paige Boyuk, a mother of two from Illinois, who now serves dinner at 4:30 p.m. every day. Frustrated by her kids’ habit of snacking after school and then refusing to eat dinner, Boyuk decided to make a change. “One day, I said, ‘That’s it. We’re eating the spaghetti at 4:30 p.m.,’” she told TODAY.com. The result? “We had the best evening—there were no meltdowns, and their bellies were full.”
Boyuk’s routine is simple yet effective. Right after school, she serves hearty meals like chicken and rice, pork loins, or pasta. While her kids often ask for a light snack before bed—usually sliced apples and cheese—she finds that the early dinner helps them wind down for the night.
@paigeboyuk Anyone else having early dinners? #mom #motherhood #snack #meal #dinnertime #momsoftiktok #kidsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Paige
This early dinner approach has proven especially beneficial as Boyuk’s family enters her son’s hockey season. With their post-dinner snacks of cheese, crackers, and fruit, they avoid the less healthy options available at the rink, ensuring they’re well-nourished during their busy evenings.
Boyuk’s strategy is not without its challenges. Her husband often arrives home mid-dinner, missing out on a traditional family meal. However, he’s grateful for the calmer, more pleasant evenings that the new schedule provides.
