Even if you packed them a great, nutritious lunch, by the time the school bell rings, your kids are probably tired, hungry and cranky.

They're probably also thirsty.Kinsley's ShopRite nutritionist Rhianna Cenci says by 3 o'clock children need a little something to boost their energy and balance their moods."Children often forget to drink enough water during the day," says Cenci."Tuck an extra water bottle into their backpack or hand them a glass to drink while you prepare their after-school snack. Water helps keep the body regulated, flushes out impurities and fills the belly while they wait for their next meal."She suggests taking advantage of the back-to-school routine to make sure your children snack smart.Cenci offers these healthy snack ideas:• Fruits can be eaten in many different ways and are naturally sweet. Serve a fruit cup (in juice), applesauce or fresh fruit, such as bananas, oranges, cherries, apples and grapes.• Mix some fresh or frozen fruit in a Greek yogurt and add some granola• Use fresh or frozen fruit to make a smoothie for a refreshing and hydrating snack• Buy a frozen fruit bar made with real fruit (perfect for a warmer afternoon)• One cup of low-fat milk may be just enough to satisfy an after-school snack craving• Part-skim mozzarella sticks are fun to eat and perfectly portioned• Nonperishable snacks like granola bars, zucchini muffins, low-sugar oatmeal cookies, graham crackers, whole-wheat pretzels, roasted chickpeas or pumpkin seeds are essential for children who have a long ride home or stay after school for sports or aftercare programs.• If you want to get creative, let the kids help make dark chocolate bark with chopped nuts, dried cherries and a little bit of sea salt. Dates or other dried fruits would work just as well.• Nuts - pecans, pistachios almonds, and walnuts - mix with apples, pumpkin seeds, cranberries and cinnamon make for a wonderful fall snack. For a nut-free version, munch on some unsalted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds!• Air-popped popcorn or a light popcorn can be the perfect solution for some ravenous eaters who just can't seem to get enough. Enjoy 3 whole cups for around 110 calories.