It is hard enough getting kids to eat well at home. Sending them to school with a meal that may or not get eaten is another stress. Compound that mess if you are packing multiple lunches with multiple palates. Chances are, if you’re like me, you’ve got a board on Pinterest specifically for school lunch ideas. {Feel free to browse my board. I have a few pins for adult lunches too!}
Besides picking the right food, organization and planning is also vital for preventing chaos on school mornings. Often if I haven’t prepared properly, more than once a week I am scrambling around just to find something somewhat healthy that they’ll actually eat. I am always so thankful when I take the time to prepare.
Lunch doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are 5 tips to make packing lunches they’ll eat easier.
- Pack something you know they will eat. Better yet, if they’re old enough, ask them to help you. Obviously, they can’t choose a package of donuts but if they get to choose between a PBJ, Cheese & Crackers, or a Turkey roll, they will probably eat what they chose. Plus, they are learning to pack their own lunches. BONUS!
- Simple is better. Sure, those cute sandwiches cut into shapes of bunnies with edible google eyes, and seaweed for grass is super impressive, but honestly the food is getting tossed around in the lunch box anyway. Think along the lines of Lunchables.
- Don’t forget about leftovers. Extra pizza from the night before has been a savior for me. Sure, it’s not going to be hot, but I know my kids will eat pizza. And I didn’t have to make it. But I will reheat leftovers in the morning just so they’re not so cold. Then a stainless steel thermos or foil helps to keep it as warm as possible. I still hear complaints that it’s not warm enough. *eyeroll* Whatever, I tried.
- Keep all the lunchboxes, containers, and accessories together. This seriously makes things so much easier. I have this section on my counter that I call my “Lunch Packing Station.” Literally everything from one spot is within hands reach. Ok, I have to take 2 extra steps to get to the fridge and pantry.
- Organize your week. Confession: I fall off the wagon in this step often. That weekend just never is long enough! When I plan ahead of time, however, mornings really do run smoothly. Simply stocking the fridge with fruits and buying other snacks so they are ready or even looking at what the week looks like is enough. Maybe there is a hot lunch your child loves that you can plan for that day instead. Have the lunch money ready or order ahead if that’s required making sure you give time to do that. Taking a little time to organize on Sunday eases the morning mayhem for the rest of the week.
