I have a confession, in the past, I was the mom who put the same exact foods in my child’s lunchbox for the entire school year. Peanut Butter Sandwich… check, fruit snacks… check, Cheez-Its… check, and a Capri Sun. I felt guilty for being redundant and not giving my children something yummy and different to look forward to during the school day.
I am excited for school to begin, for more reasons than preparing lunch, of course. In this article, you will learn a few conventional and unconventional ways to make your child’s lunch more exciting, they will be more energetic and attentive after lunch.
Let’s talk Containers. What do you use to store your child’s lunch? It’s no secret, I am a sucker for Pottery Barn Kids. I love their styles, bright colors, and even the personalization of products they offer! However, I have three children, providing Pottery Barn Kids Backpacks, Lunch Boxes, and accessories can become quite costly. There are a lot of other options to choose from. One of my favorite online shops, Amazon, is a great place to find deals on back to school lunch items.
If cost is not a factor, check out the PlanetBox, they are amazing! It is eco-friendly, comes with two containers with lids, a carrying case, and is dishwasher safe. I love the colors and unique designs of this lunch box. Your child will always be able to quickly locate their lunch during field trips. If you are looking for a more cost effective option, check out one of my go-to lunch boxes, The Bentgo Kids Lunch Box. This compartmentalized lunch box is great for younger kids with smaller appetites and less sturdy balance. These lunches are drop proof! Um… yes, I’ll take one in every color, please!
What are you putting in your child’s super swanky, top notch lunch boxes? Are you a sandwich, snack, and fruit type, or do you do something different? I learned, over the years, that your child wants to eat something simple, fun, and light. Deli sandwiches and soups can sometimes be heavy and make your child tired after lunch which contributes to them being inattentive and sleepy.
Try something different, utilize your food groups. Put in a few slices of cucumber and tomato, a small mixed greens salad, or a variety of their favorite fruits. Add some deli lunch meat, you’ve rolled with cheese and some grains. My children love baguettes, So I put one in their lunch box. I have tried making dipping sauces with yogurt or peanut butter, my kids aren’t big fans. What are your thoughts? Are the dipping sauces a hit in your child’s lunch box?
If you do make sandwiches, are you cutting them into fun shapes? Using a different sandwich cutter daily, can help your child’s brain development, it promotes curiosity and critical thinking skills. This assortment of Kazoo Cutters is a great way to make your everyday sack lunch, an intriguing chow time!
Last but not least, add a note of sentiment, or something to make the lunch and your child’s day special. I have tiny cards I made from multiple colors of construction paper. Just a phrase as simple as; Mommy and Daddy love you and want you to have the best day ever, can motivate your child to their best throughout the school day. If your child is too young to read, add one of their favorite stickers to the lunch box.
Going back to school is an amazing new start for children and parents alike. Let’s be supportive and encouraging, every day! If we are exhibiting positive behaviors and healthy habits, our children will follow, and if we are not, they will follow. Have a great school year, and remember to not only eat healthy, but eat happy as well.
Marla Bautista is the published Author of My Thoughts Abandoned, released in January 2017 and the Armed Forces Insurance 2018 Military Spouse of the Year for Fort Drum. She is also a Freelance Writer and Blogger. She has written guest contribution blogs for Multiple companies including, Military Crashpad, Sleepingbaby.com, SoldiersWifeCrazyLife.com, and ArmyWife 101. She has an Associate’s of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies. Marla is also the Co-Founder of The Bautista Project, a custom décor and apparel company, which uses a percentage of their profits to provide for homeless communities. In her free time, Marla enjoys volunteering within her community.
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