It’s almost “get-back-to-school-time” and if you’re anything like me, only the thought of preparing school lunches makes you wanna cry. I always tell my husband that packing school lunches is the ABSOLUTE worst thing with the kids going back to school.
In Sweden, where I grew up in the day, school lunches were served in school! Can you imagine how luxurious that would be for the parents?! But to be honest it has it’s negative sides too…I was a kid who didn’t like alot of different foods. When they served cabbage rolls (c’ommon, how can you even serve that to children!?!) for example, I would spend the whole recess refusing to eat. I oftentimes ended up leaving the dining hall with an empty stomach when the classes started. The worry of what was on the menu made me hate school (which I otherwise really enjoyed).
Due to my own bad experience with foods in school, I’m actually pretty relieved for my kids that they can choose what they would like to eat from home. And I promised myself that I would never ever force them to eat something they don’t like.
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Teach your child pack his own school lunch
Children are as independent as you expect them to be.
~Maria Montessori~
So what’s the solution? you might ask.
Teach your child pack his own school lunch EARLY on. The Montessori way. Make it a habit.
The essence of Montessori is to teach independence. You respect the child by putting trust in the fact they can do things on their own. If you do it for them, it only teaches them they are not capable or not as good as you are.
Nothing beats the look on a child’s face after completing a task of fulfilling their own basic needs. Such a task will give them a sense of independence and achievement. Being able to take care of one self brings the child a feeling of human dignity.
5 steps to teach your child pack his own school lunch
1) Put trust in your kids
Start out with letting them help you prepare lunch. Show them how to do it and give tips. Tell them you believe they’re big enough to pack their own school lunch. Explain the importance of nutritious meals and how it can help them stay focused on their “work” throughout the day.
2) Print out a chart with all the food groups
Explain that something from each group should be included in the school lunch every day. You can find free printable charts on Pinterest. I really liked the post “How to make Bento” from BeneficialBento.com. There you can find charts, tips where to buy containers and endless ideas for recipes!
3) Put everything within reach
Make sure you have everything needed and within reach for the kids to create what they want. Again; check out BeneficialBento.com for advice and where to get various fun containers. Another site where you can get appropriate child size tools for the kitchen (or other areas as well) is ForSmallHands.com
There you can also find tips on how to help children become independent according to Montessori philosophy.
4) Plan ahead
Make a weekly menu together. If possible, try to prepare the meal the night before, using foods from all the food groups (using the chart).
5) Make it fun
Encourage your kids to be creative. Look at it like a piece of art. Instead of packing a whole sandwich, you might want to cut small pieces, using cookie cutters. Or use mini-skewers to make “mini kabobs”. Cut everything into bite size pieces and add a small cup of dip. Remember that kids might not need alot of food, but a variety of foods. Search “Bento box lunch for kids” online to get ideas. I really like “12 Easy Bento Box Ideas for Kids”, by “Working Mother”.
Give it a try…
I know it’s easy to sit here, while still on vacation, to dream about how you and your child can do this together. I’d be the first one to admit I end up packing the lunches for my kids often… But let’s give it a try. Help them in the beginning, especially if they’re younger. When they eventually start enjoying the process of preparing their own lunch, it’ll take a whole work load off your shoulders. And your children will get a sense of accomplishment too..
WIN-WIN!
Please share your ideas and experiences with us!
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