Now that school is back in session for kids around the country, there is the added chore for parents of packing school lunches. Now, if your kids are old enough, you could let them pack their own, but that's probably not going to pan out well since kids will more than likely just grab a heap of snacks and candy (no matter how much you are emphasizing eating healthy at home).
Now, peer pressure can come into effect over simple things like school lunches, but if you pack like a pro, you can give your child the upper hand and make them the envy of the playground — it really isn't that difficult.
Take a look at these simple ways of getting your little one to not only enjoy the lunch that he or she has to bring to school, but are also healthy meals as well.
1. Freeze A Juice Box
It can double as an ice-pack during the summer months, plus they'll have a cold drink for lunch.
2. Have A Snack Station
Letting your child select their entire lunch might not be too smart, but having a selection of snacks on hand and letting them choose one will make them feel like they're getting a fun reward!
3. Homemade Fruit Cups
Store-bought fruit cups are loaded with sugar. By doing it this way you know exactly what's going in it. They taste better, too.
4. Make Lists!
Tick things off and mix and match, this way your kids get a bit if variation.
5. Make A Bunch Of Sandwiches And Freeze Them
That way you don't have to worry about making them every day. It will save you a lot of time and they still taste the same.
6. Leave Notes
Leaving a note in your child's lunch will most definitely brighten their day!
7. Make The Most Of A Thermos
A thermos doesn't just need to be for drinks, you can also keep food hot in it, like hotdogs and nuggets.
8. Apple Slices
It's easier to get children to eat fruit if it's cut up, but the problem with cutting apples is that the slices go brown quickly. After you slice the apple, reassemble it and hold it together with a rubber band, this will keep the slices fresher longer.
9. Silicone Food Pouches
These are great for bringing liquids and purees to school, especially for younger children.
10. Pack Your Kid's Lunches At Night
Mornings are crazy when it comes to getting children ready for school. If you pack at night, you save time in the morning, which means less stress and possibly more sleep.
11. Cut Sandwiches Into Fun Shapes
Kids can be really picky eaters, so why not make their lunch look a little bit more appealing using cookie cutters!
12. Use Compartmentalized Lunchboxes
If you use compartmentalized lunchboxes, you know you won't forget anything, you will save money on baggies and the dry food won't become soggy because of the wet food.
