You want to know my biggest fear about my little man going “back to school”? It’s not that I’ll miss him terribly and cry like a baby or, worse, that he’ll miss me terribly and hate it. No, my biggest fear is what to pack in Toddler Boy’s lunch.
Our preschool program is from 9 to 1 twice a week. I love that it’s a good chunk of time, but hate that he eats lunch there because it means I have to pack a lunch. And, apparently I suck at that. I have proof. The teachers tried to be subtle and drop hints (“He doesn’t eat much at lunch.” “He didn’t seem hungry today.”) but I ignored them chalking it up to the fact that he wasn’t and has never been a good eater.
Finally, eventually, they had to get brutally honest. Toddler Boy’s teachers said, “We think you should try to pack him something else next week. He barely eats his lunch and usually asks to eat the other children’s food.” Wha? Parenting FAIL! I was crushed, embarrassed and sad for my hungry child with the bad mama.
So, you can understand my hesitation and nervousness about having to pack creative, delicious, nutritious lunches twice a week for my little man that he will devour (and show those darn teachers that I am a competent mom).
Here’s your challenge should you chose to accept it: I need ideas for things to pack in his lunch that do not require a fridge and that a picky toddler will eat.
Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship
August 20, 2009I posted on healthy school lunches with an EXTENSIVE list of ideas this week. Love to have you visit and check it out: http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/2009/08/18/packing-a-lunch-healthy-food-to-go/
Anonymous
August 20, 2009Wow, that is harsh! I had a similar conversation when my older daughter was about 1. She has food allergies, which were more extensive at the time, so I just didn't know what to make for a healthy, good lunch and snack four days a week! Her teacher told me one day that Ellie wasn't eating much of her sweet potato for lunch or her fruit for snack and gave me suggestions of what other kids were eating. I was a bit embarassed but also so appreciative that she gave me suggestions while giving me a failing grade as a lunch packer!
So now Ellie is 3 1/2 and we've worked out several good meal options for her. We have access to a fridge though for all of her meals and snacks so you may not feel comfortable with some of these sitting out. Hope you find some good options to alleviate that anxiety
Good luck!
Jana
Lunches-
sunflower seed butter and honey sandwiches with a side of applesauce
2 chicken nuggets with rice and green beans
any takeout leftovers (her favorites are pizza and Chinese food)
burritos with beans, cheese, and salsa cut into small rolls with a few baked tortilla chips on the side (this is probably her favorite!)
elbow macaroni with corn and peas
sandwiches – ham, turkey, or roast beef with swiss
sunflower seed butter and crackers with applesauce on the side
Nancy
August 20, 2009I would agree with the other comments: Think about what he eats at home and use that as guidance.
Be careful with peanut butter. Many schools are peanut-free zones these days due to severe peanut allergies.
When you make something he likes for dinner, make extra and portion that into little reusable cups for his lunch. Some example would be that Mac anc cheese or left-over chicken, etc.
Get little reusable containers and make your own healthier version of luncheables: small pieces of bread or cracker, pieces of turkey or chicken, pieces of cheese, etc.
Also – what is it that the other kids are eating that he wants? You could also take your lead from that.
In addition, does he eat a big or late breakfast right before he goes to school? If so, maybe he isn't very hungry then. You could eat breakfast earlier or cut doen on the size of breakfast.
Overall, relax. When he is hungry, he will eat.
Good luck!
Nancy
Amanda
August 20, 2009I've had the same issue with my son. It doesn't matter if I pack his favorite foods. What the other kids have is way more interesting because it's different.
The best advice I can offer is to take him grocery shopping for his lunch stuff only. Let HIM choose what he'd like to pack. Then when the teachers balk that he didn't eat, you can offer up that tidbit that HE chose his lunch. You tried to accommodate his picky eating habits. It may also clue you in to what the other kids have that is so darn interesting.
Cat@3KidsandUs
August 20, 2009I'm not much of an expert in this area, especially since my son is a terrible eater.
Since the teacher made it a point to tell you he liked what the other kids were eating, why not ask her what they were having for lunch? I think that would be a good first step.
Michelle
August 20, 2009As a seasoned lunch packer, I can let you know what's worked for me over the past few years! I'll have 3 kids in school this year, 4th, 1st, and Kindergarten.
I like to do wraps. Turkey or ham and cheese, with lettuce, wrapped in a tortilla or whatever kind of wrap you choose. I do leftovers ALOT. Homemade mac and cheese in an insulated container works great, pasta, stew/chicken pot pie during the winter.
I have a sandwich cutter from Pampered Chef that cuts off the crust and seals the sandwich like the Smucker's Uncrustables. The kids get a kick out of those (and it keeps them neater!) I've also got the dinosaur sammy cutter.
My kids love cottage cheese and yogurt, so alot of times I'll send a little cup of those for a side. I stick an ice pack in an insulated lunch back, and we've never had problems with spoilage (and their school is horribly hot!)
I'll get the morning star farms corn dog bites to send sometimes for a treat. Chicken nuggets and fish sticks also work good.
Oh, I know my kids' favorite lunch! I make them their own "Lunchable." I give them good, whole grain crackers, cheese, and meat in a square sammy container. (I just asked my 1st grader, and this is the first thing that popped out of her mouth, too!)
I usually send pretzels or crackers with them. If they don't get yogurt or cottage cheese, they get applesauce, fruit cocktail (minus the cherries because we have one with a red dye allergy), things like that. If there is no PB ban at your son's school, my kids LOVE ants on a log. They also like to get baby carrots, grapes, etc. I just throw a banana in if I'm really rushed.
Hard boiled eggs are a quick and easy lunch choice.
I'm pretty lucky in that my kids are good eaters and love their fruits and veggies, but as a full time WAHM with 4 kids, these are some quick, easy, and healthy things I'd do for lunch. Good luck!
The Shopping Mama
August 20, 2009THANK YOU, everyone for all the great suggestions and tips. I totally appreciate it!
I'll let you know how it goes. And, if all else fails, at least he's in a new classroom this year so maybe those teachers don't know that I suck at packing lunches and they'll cut me some slack.
Dee
August 20, 2009oh, I so remember those days. After about two weeks I ran out of ideas. I was always looking for something fun to pack, when all he really wanted was a peanut butter jelly sandwich. I did enjoy leaving kisses in his lunch with a note though
Anonymous
August 21, 2009Try hummus with whole wheat pita bread, both my kids love the stuff! If he likes hummus you can give him veggies with it (if he will eat them!) Also, Soy Butter is a great similar-tasting substitute for peanut butter (they carry it everywhere). Great with apple slices!
Shannon
August 28, 2009These are fantastic! I will have to read them more in depth after errands. Thanks y'all!