Here's How to Teach Your Kids to Pack (or Make) Their Own Lunch
It doesn’t matter if your school is virtual or in-person. Most kids can — and should — play some part in lunch-packing or lunch meal preparation.
Teaching my kids how to pack their own lunch a few years back was a game-changer for weekday mornings. But right now, while our school system remains virtual, it’s a also skill that has made it easy for my kids to prepare their own lunches at home. While I still prepare lunch a few days a week, both kids having the ability to make lunch — and a fairly healthy one — has been a huge help as a mom working from home.
How do you get started?
#1. Start by reading my article, Your Kids Should Be Packing Their Own Lunch - Here's How to Teach Them.
I wrote this two years ago, and it applies to both lunch packing and preparation. In the article, I share:
Benefits of teaching your kids (It’s not just taking this task off my to-do list; there’s a lot in it for the kids too!)
My lunch formula to ensure the end result is a pretty healthy lunch
How to teach your kids this formula
What to expect, what to enforce, and what to let go of
#2. Consider setting up lunch stations to simplify the process even more.
My colleague Sally over at Real Mom Nutrition is also an RD mom, and she has a great guide for setting up lunch stations linked below.
How to Make Lunch Stations (So Kids Can Make or Pack Their Own Lunches) by Real Mom Nutrition
#3. Get inspired!
I recommend initially using your typical lunch foods as you teach your kids the formula and process. But once they’ve got that down, browse for new lunch ideas. Check out the two links below that include easy recipes for both the lunchbox and home meal prep.
