Do you feel like it’s a never ending battle to come up with healthy lunch ideas and/or make lunches in the morning? About a year ago I decided to stop the madness and give the job to my kids! We came up with a few things they could make on their own and set some rules for what needed to be included. Now it’s their responsibility to make their own lunches.
If you are still making your kid’s lunches I suggest you hand over the baton to your child. Help them pick healthy choices that are fun to eat, such as string cheese, fruit, carrot sticks, and pudding cups. If they pack it themselves, they will be more likely to eat it. Also keep a variety of foods on hand so they’re not packing the same lunch every day. (Variety keeps them from getting bored.)
Here is a great way to help your kids pack their own lunches…
Print out this chart. Then talk to you kids and come up with a few things in each category that they like. Fill in the printable with acceptable options that you have both agreed on, that way there is no confusion. The chart will also take some of the pressure off of your child while they are trying to make a decision.
If you are having trouble coming up with ideas, here are a few…
Fruit Suggestions:
Whole Fresh Fruit (apples, oranges, bananas), Diced or Prepared Fresh Fruit (melons, grapes, berries), Pre-packaged Fruit (applesauce, fruit pouches, dried fruit)
Dairy Suggestions:
Milk, String Cheese, Sliced Cheese,Cream Cheese, Yogurt
Bread Suggestions:
Sliced Whole Wheat, Raisin Bread, Pita, Dinner Rolls, Tortillas, Bagels, Crackers
Veggie Suggestions:
Carrots, Celery, Sliced Cucumbers, Small Salad
The first few months I checked what they had packed everyday, and now I just do random spot checks to make sure they are getting what they need…and so that they never know when I will check! 😉 You might want to set up some type of system to hold them accountable, at least in the beginning.
