After getting tired of always negotiating the after school snack choices we started a "snack drawer". The idea is pretty simple…I fill the drawer with snacks that are pre-approved: nuts, dried fruit, granola bars, and sometimes popcorn or peanut butter filled pretzels. In addition the kids (and any adults that care for them) know that they are always allowed to have fresh fruit or cheese. Not only has this cut down on the arguments, it has also allowed the kids to be quite self sufficient after school.