Without mom or dad there to encourage them to eat, Public Health Dietician Lyndsay Davidson says it’s best for kids to be part of the packing process.
“It’s really good to get your kids involved with anything to do with lunches. That way, they’re more engaged and they have more say in what they’re eating as well. They’re more likely to eat the food if they’ve been involved in choosing what’s there,” Davidson explains.
Davidson suggests parents have a core group of three or four things their kids like best and rotate throughout the week, and make sure they have a variety of fruits and veggies.
“Giving them something different every day will make sure they’re not getting bored with their lunch throughout the school year,” says Davidson.
Davidson suggests preparing lunches days in advance can help out busy kids and parents. She also says to consider leftovers as a lunch option, as many typically think of soup and sandwiches as the only meal for lunchtime.