Every night, packing a lunch for the next day can present a challenge. How do parents find something that’s interesting and appeals to each of their children, all the while keeping a healthy balanced meal in mind?
Here’s one strategy for spicing up that routine. Working with each of your lunch eaters, develop a list of personalized options for each of the following categories of lunch items:
- Entrée
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Snack or Dessert
Once you’re finished, each child will have their own list of favorite items for each of the three key lunchbox menu items.
Then, every night each child can customize his or her lunch box for the next day by choosing an item from each of the three categories, for examples:
- cheese sandwich
- carrot sticks
- grapes
Now, every evening, the kids make their choices, pack their lunches, and you’re are ready to go in the morning. No more negotiating for extra snacks or a second dessert, or wondering if they will like what’s been packed. Simple solution for an everyday challenge.
For additional tips and ideas, check out this resource from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
