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.
BK
August 20, 2009That can really be a challenge. For a start, do you know any of his favorite food? Perhaps you can work something out from there? And maybe you can spy on what kind of food the other children was having and make something similar?
Mom of Three
August 20, 2009this is a tough one. what does he eat at home?
will he eat sandwiches (peanut butter or cheese are quick and most toddlers i know enjoy)?
mac and cheese?
fish sticks?
along with cut up fruits of his choice that he enjoys?
i'm not sure what his tastes are like. you could always try to prompt conversation with him about what happened at school and try to pick up what other kids' lunches were like – he'll remember those he loved or hated. use that to clue you in to what new things he's interested in trying – and you can try him with them at home first.
Ashley
August 20, 2009I was going to also ask, what does he eat at home? My kids eat peanut butter and banana sandwiches, and ham sandwiches. Apple slices, carrots and ranch dip. Grapes and strawberries. hot dogs? You can always freeze a tube of yogurt and it will be thawed or almost by lunch time. It will also keep everything cool in the lunch bag. My boys also love the mini-Cliff bars- they are yummy and packed with protein.
I also just downloaded a cute little ziploc/taste of Home magazine about lunch box ideas. You can find it here:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/
You just need to put in 2 UPCs off the ziploc boxes.
Hope this helps!!! You poor momma, Hang in there!
Raquel
August 20, 2009I just posted the same thing! I am a mother of 2 and wondered how to juggle my infant son and 6 year old son. I have no idea what to pack in his lunch. Last year I put together the South Beach diet wraps and he said he loved it (with Ranch dressing). So, maybe that would be a good idea. It has chicken cubes and shredded cheese.
tinygiraffeshop
August 20, 2009*If* my 3 year old actually ate food, I would pack a pb&j sandwich cut into fun shapes, some sort of fruit (banana, blueberries, grapes, etc), raisins, and maybe some sort of cracker. If he'll eat veggies, maybe you could cut up some red/green peppers or carrots. Boy, do I wish I had the chance to feed my kid!
The Shopping Mama
August 20, 2009Thanks so much for the advice and suggestions!
I got the "talking to" after sending pb & j, goldfish and fruit.
Honestly, at first I just wrote them off because he doesn't eat that well at home sometimes either. But after they informed me I suck at making lunches I started making mac & cheese with peas in the morning and putting a container of that in his lunch. He apparently ate better and I was not a complete failure.
But, with two kids now I'm not sure I can whip up mac & cheese every morning before school. Not to mention the fact that I want to offer him some variety.
Kasey@ All Things Mamma
August 20, 2009How about:
-A cheese stick or yogurt
or
-turkey and cheese on bread cut into shapes
-Something crunchy like carrots or some other veggie he likes
- something sweet like a fruit or even a cookie?
Top it off with a juice box or milk and you're good to go!
Most kids like anything fun they can eat with their fingers or dip. Try that! : )
sbregand
August 20, 2009When my two kiddos go to school I pack them a peanut butter sandwich no jelly and I have found a cut out that is the shape of a dinosaur and the kids think the food is fun and love it. I also do cut up fruit and have also found that the lunchables can be a lifesaver. I throw those in the lunch box with a cold pack and typically the kids eat it. When I bring girl to the grocery store with me I let her pick out somethings that she wants to eat.
Shari@aPsychMommy
August 20, 2009I just saw an article in a parent magazine (was it Parenting? Can't remember) about what nutritionists pack their kids for lunch. I think one made sandwiches cut with a cookie cutter in star shapes, another made little roll-ups that look like pinwheels. But maybe the grass is always greener on the other side, kwim? I remember always wanting what my friends had–even if my lunch was probably better.
Dana
August 20, 2009My son was always picky …but he liked the Jello sugar free chocolate puddings and any flavor of Jello Gelatin. He also liked Ritz crackers with cheese cut up into little squares and the Gogurts a lot too.
It's hard with a picky eater!