I love making my kids’ school lunches.
Like you, raising independent, self-sufficient children is at the top of my list of #lifegoals. Just ask my kids, and they’ll tell you I refer to the importance of work ethic, executive functioning skills and organization more than is necessary. Mind you, I don’t often implement what I talk about, but at least they know key ingredients of the secret sauce to success.
Thus, our children have chores. Sometimes they do them, sometimes I even remember to notice if they have completed them. As family members, they have responsibilities throughout the home. Yet I haven’t let go of one task that so many parenting experts say to hand over to our kids once they hit the upper elementary years: making school lunch.
I love that early morning solo time when I get to prep something that does more than send them on their way. It’s like a packed-up representation of the TLC I want them to associate with home. These aren’t the fancy bento boxes we see on social media, but they’re also definitely not the 1980s’ turkey on frozen bread that defrosts by noon. (School lunchtime seems to be closer to brunch these days anyway.)
The goal is to keep it simple, healthy and delicious. Sometimes it’s leftovers and other times it’s something from nothing; sometimes it’s amazing and other times it’s just ok. Whatever the outcome, I am beyond grateful for the food as well as the blessing of feeding my children.
Here are 5 easy lunchbox ideas that are more interesting than a sandwich and get the job done of nourishing your kid and saving you time. All can be vegetarian. Add a fruit, a veggie and maybe even a note, and your daily care package of love is complete!
Dumplings
From frozen Asian potstickers to fresh European perogies, everyone loves dumplings. Add a little cornstarch slurry to the pan when heating them up to form gorgeously golden crusted edges. Pack them in a thermos over rice or ramen or on their own; drizzle with your kids’ favorite sauce so they don’t stick together. Dumplings win every single day.
Charcuterie Lunchables
Grazers and snackers love this deconstructed classic: mini naan bread or crackers, cubed or sliced cheese, turkey, mini meat sticks or hard-boiled eggs, fruit and crudité with hummus or jazzed up Greek yogurt. (Try sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil, or a pinch of everything seasoning.)
Leftover Remix
Most leftovers can be warmed up and brought back to life in a pan with a splash of water or broth and, of course, a dab of butter. This works for everything.
Creamy Hummus Pasta
Mix a spoonful of hummus into fresh or leftover pasta right in the pan. I promise it won’t taste like hummus but will be creamy, high protein and absolutely delish.
Mini Empanadas
Store-bought or homemade defrosted from the freezer, these can be filled with meat, veggies and/or cheese.
One of my fave treats that goes with all of these is a DIY s’more: chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker in a small container. The perfect bite to want s’more!
