Mum shares surprising family dinner ‘hack’ that changed her life

"Seriously - this is genius!"

Laura Jackel

3 min read

August 21, 2024 - 9:25PM

Image: iStock.

Lifestyle

Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News.

A woman has gone viral after sharing a simple family dinner time ‘hack’ that she says has changed her life.

The woman who goes by ‘The Runaway Bride Experiment’ on TikTok says that she was initially skeptical after viewing a clip by a woman who switched up her family dinner time.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

Mum shares the surprising family dinner ‘hack’ that has changed her life

"That's so early!"

“I saw this video of this woman who said that she feeds her family at 3:30pm everyday for dinner,” she begins the clip.

“And when I first saw that video I was like, ‘that’s so early why would you do that?’ And she says that because when her kids get out from school, they’re starving so instead of feeding them snacks, they do dinner first and then snack later.”

The Runaway Bride said it tracks for her kids too as they get home from school and are “famished” but then they snack so when it’s dinner time, they don't end up eating much.

She says that after some thought, she decided to give the afternoon tea ‘dinner time’ a whirl.

“ So I tried it and oh my gosh, let me just tell you - it’s amazing,” she says while laughing with delight.

“My husband gets home from work around the same time my kids get home from school so we have family dinner together and everyone eats actual dinner when they’re starving and then if they need a little like pick me up later, then they can have leftovers or fruit or whatever.

Introducing our new podcast: Mum Club! Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

"Life changing advice"

“But oh my gosh, life changing advice, 10/10 would recommend,” she says while finishing with a chef’s kiss to camera.

While the clip has been viewed over 1.2 million times in just a few days, many people have a lot of questions about the logistics of a 3.30pm dinner.

One user queries: “Who gets home at 3.30pm?”

Another added a fair point about busy kids sporting schedules : “This will only work until they start after school activities… sports? Training? Etc. and then dinner gets pushed later and later.”

But other’s point out the benefits - other than reduced snacking - of having a super early meal if you can.

“It's healthier, as it allows digestion to happen before bed time.”

"I love this!"

Another adds: “I love this! There is time for a walk or playground after dinner instead of rushing right to bath and bed.”

Some find the early dinner works really well in their households.

“I do this. It’s just me and my two kids and dinner is ready at 4pm. They eat it all up and THEN maybe a little snack before bed. Crockpot meals work great for this schedule.”

Plenty of TikTokkers point out how in other countries, an early dinner is normal.

“I’m Norwegian and we always had dinner at 3:30pm,” one writes.

“We were home from school then and dad was home from work. Then we had ‘kveldsmat’ at 7:00pm, bread with some type of spread.”

And with an added bonus that if you can get the main meal done before 5pm, you could fit in some relaxing activities.

One says: “It’s so nice to eat early, the cleanup after dinner is so much easier!”

A second person adds: “There’s more time to relax in the evening! I recommend an early dinner as it’s better for your digestive system too.”

Plenty of users commented that this clip was their sign to give this early dinner a try.

“Seriously, this is genius. My kids come home, are so hungry so they eat a snack and then barely touch dinner - well - not anymore. We’re doing dinner at four o’clock!”