Back to School means the dreaded lunch making. Now that my kids are in highschool, they lunch and snack needs are a bit different (and includes them going to buy lunch on their own sometimes) but it doesn’t mean that I don’t remember the many years of lunch making that I’ve been doing.
I’m not sure why everyone hates school lunches so much. But we do, don’t we? It may be the monotony, the difficulty in finding foods that our kids will eat while we are away, the need to plan ahead (which for me is the toughest part), but nevertheless, ask most parents about school lunches and we all chime in with the same refrain – a groan.
I have some tips tips to help make your school lunch preparation a little bit easier, plus a few lunch suggestions below.
School Lunch Tips
1 – Now is not the time to experiment
Don’t try to get all fancy just because you saw something on Pinterest that looks delicious and fun. If you aren’t sure if your little one will eat it, don’t send it as a main meal. My goal with school lunches is to make sure they eat a balanced, healthy meal that fills them up enough while they play. If you want to experiment, add a small amount as part of the snack and see how it goes over. Yes, this means that sometimes I pack jam sandwiches, but they don’t have to be boring!
Also, make sure they can open the new lunch containers you are using. Practice at home first!
WHAT TO PACK? Stick with the usual favourites like homemade muffins or snacks they love, chopped fruit and veggies and their favourite nut-free sandwich, but then add a small, newer addition like nachos and guacamole.
2- Small bites, big eating
Sometimes, many different bites works best. Rather than just a couple of bigger items, a few smaller sized snacks can fill him up.
WHAT TO PACK: Be sure to have a lot of small containers, or a bento style box and pack chopped fruits and veggies, hard boiled eggs, small pita pieces and hummus, cubed cheese etc.
I have a lot of different containers from over the years (make sure to get a thermos for warmer foods!) but I know people have loved the YumBox!
3- Get them to help
When the kids help pack their lunches and make their own choices, they often eat more. There’s no guessing about which fruit they feel like eating that day, and they like getting involved. They can custom create their own sandwich or wrap this way too!
WHAT TO PACK: Ask them and talk about healthy choices. For younger kids, or those who are more indecisive, rather than leaving the pantry wide open to choose from, narrow down the choices, but leave the final decision up to them. “Which vegetable do you want, carrots, cucumbers, or both?” “Pick something crunchy, pretzels, nachos or crackers.” Have school snacks on lower shelves where they can reach too.
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This post was originally a partnered post in 2014. It’s been updated in 2024.
Loved this post, Rebecca, lots of great and useful ideas here. I’ll be consulting it when I’m also tired of making lunches on day 6 :).
thanks Lynn 😉 I’m trying to stay organized this year (insert major laughter)
We have those Rubbermaid boxes and I will be getting another set for my husband for salads. The kids use them nearly everyday. I totally agree with you on the small bites. They do not have much time to eat as it is. It can be really exhausting for a kiddo to feel they *have to* finish all of their lunch because “My mother said”. 🙁 Don’t do that to your kiddos, people!
Think about what lunch has looked like all summer. A bite of this, a bit of fruit, some good protein and a nice tall glass of water. Just carry that logic through. 🙂
Great post.
So good I’m not even upset that I had to think about school. 😉
glad one of us aren’t upset 😉 I’m not ready!! But on the upside I didn’t need to buy lunch bags or back packs!
We have the Lunch Blox too. Love ’em. Every school year I vow to get organized and make lunches the night before so mornings are less hectic. Like your enthusiasm, that also lasts about 5 days. 🙂
I start off each year with great intentions 😉