I can hardly believe it but tomorrow I have to pack a lunchbox for my child for the first time. My big girl is so excited about her new backpack containing new lunchbox and other new kindy necessities. Everything about this is new for her, and while some of it is also new for me, at the same time it’s also very familiar thanks to my years as a teacher. When it comes to packing lunchboxes I have the combined knowledge of hundreds of parents! After peering into countless lunchboxes I’ve been able to see what works and what doesn’t. So consider these my insider tips from a lunchbox spy...
Do:
- Expect your child to be hungry! They work hard and play hard and as a result expend a lot of energy that needs replenishing. Often they are hungriest at the first meal break of the day. Your child will probably be desperate to go and play, so provide a filling and wholesome sandwich (crusts on), wrap or allergy friendly equivalent that is quick and easy to eat.
- Give your child containers they can open independently without spilling the contents. Check that they can actually do it before you send it. Oh, and make sure all containers are named.
- Train your child in the ways of cling wrap. If you fold back a small flap at the end of wrapping food it makes it easier for your child to find where to start unwrapping again.
- Include a plastic spoon in the lunchbox if needed. It’s a good idea to always have a spare spoon in the bag too. Spoons seem to have remarkable disappearing abilities.
- Choose fresh fruit over packaged fruit. Prewash it, and if your child is young cut it into manageable sized pieces.
- Include one paper serviette or wet wipe in a ziploc bag so that your child can clean themself up quickly and easily ready for play.
- Freeze a small waterbottle to help keep things cool and double as an extra drink, or use a child safe freezer brick.
- Use it as an opportunity to connect with your child during the day. I have seen some delightful messages from mums slipped into littlies’ lunchboxes. My favourite trick is to write directly onto the skin of a banana with a pencil. By the time your child eats it the writing will have darkened and the message will be clearly visible. Obviously while this might be sweet for little ones, older kids might find it embarrassing...
- Keep it simple!! It doesn’t have to be a gourmet spread.
For the most part, teachers are very accommodating when it comes to helping kids with their lunches. It’s part of the job and I for one enjoyed sitting and eating with my students. However, there are five things that consistently make teachers cringe.
Avoid:
- Tuna tins (or similar) that require an adult to open, an adult to dispose of the sharp edged lift off top, and an adult to drain the contents. Imagine doing that twenty five times a day.
- Sloppy, slurpy yoghurts that come in a tube.
- Leaky waterbottles or cool bricks that make everything soggy.
- High sugar foods and sugary drinks (including juice and cordial).
- A backpack sized lunchbox ridiculously overstocked and therefore overwhelming for your child.
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Do you have any lunch box tips to add? Or traps to avoid? Do you disagree with any of Cath’s suggestions? Share by leaving a comment below.
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Catherine Oehlman is a SAHM currently being raised by a terrific toddler and a curious crawler. Her background in primary education, love of the mothering journey and compulsion for writing collide on her SquiggleMum blog. Cath encourages other parents from all walks of life to maximise the time they spend with their children.
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Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Wondering today how mum managed to stay on top of it all with 4 children. I am already wondering how I am going to get through this week and next. More frequent grocery shopping and some new shopping habits thats for sure . Oh and hiding the "school food" from Daddy too. Any tips on that
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Thursday, 28 January 2010
Thursday, 28 January 2010
I am wondering about the new lunchboxes that supposed don't require cling wrap ? will they last and work ?
In my day we only had paper bags =) and squishy lunches.
Thursday, 04 February 2010
@Christie - jam sandwiches every day? Seriously?!! LOL
@Jackie - Glad you enjoyed the post and that it was still relevant for you
@Trish - I think some work well, but only if there isn't other food in with the sandwich. If I'm putting a sandwich and fruit in together I still put one or the other in a sandwich bag to be sure!
Thursday, 04 February 2010
We've just moved back to Sydney after spending 2 years in Darwin and I hadn't realised until now just how much I appreciated the fact that the Darwin (public) school had a fridge for lunches in every classroom. It makes so much sense in Australia's climate and makes it easier to feel safe sending meat, cheese and yoghurt with the children.
Monday, 22 February 2010
And according to this article, I totally agree with your opinion, but only this time!
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Wednesday, 07 April 2010
La Martina
Thursday, 28 July 2011
share tips
Wednesday, 25 January 2012