You Know What They Like.™
What really happens to that nutritious meal, once your child gets to the lunchroom? Does he or she trade it away for a cupcake or soda? How do you ensure everyone likes his or her nutritious sandwich? By getting organized and making lunchboxes delicious and fun, of course.
These lunchbox tips are provided by Kit Bennett of amazingmoms.com.
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Plan Ahead
Junk-filled and boring lunches usually happen when they aren’t planned.
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Involve the kids
Children are more likely to eat what they have helped prepare.
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Get organized
Once you’ve shopped, do some early preparation for the week ahead; grate cheese, wash fruits and vegetables, prepare snacks and dips, place juice boxes in the freezer, etc.
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Store wisely
Keep a full set of plastic containers where the kids can reach, along with zip-top bags, lunch bags, thermoses, wood craft sticks for spreading, plastic spoons, forks, napkins and straws.
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Taste-test at home
School lunch is not the time to try foods that have never passed your child’s lips. Try new things at home first, and keep a list of favorites.
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Add a note from mom
Adding encouraging notes, stickers and photos to your little one’s lunchbox. Simple sayings like “You are a genius!” “You’re a good friend!” “You are a beary special person!” “Some bunny loves you” “Today is a special day...just because you are you!” Or try one with a photo of your family pet: “I can’t wait to play with you when you get home!”
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Serve brain food
Cut the word scramble or puzzle from the newspaper kid’s section. Roll it around a pencil and include it in the lunch bag for a fun after-lunch activity.
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Leave a clue
During the week, leave clues (pictures or stickers or messages) in your child’s lunch that lead to a Friday evening surprise. It could be a weekend adventure, a toy or special dessert.