How to Create Tasty School Lunches

Going back to school often includes your child toting along his or her favorite lunch and snacks. After the first few weeks of school, your child may be bored with his or her usual meal. Do you know which foods your child looks forward to eating? Here are some tips to help you pack more creative lunches.

Soup

Think about which flavors your child truly enjoys. Maybe their favorite soup is chicken noodle. Or perhaps vegetarian chili brings them running to the table at mealtimes. Pinpoint the foods that your child will eat, and present them often in their lunch as a soup. You can easily place hot items in a thermos for easy transporting to and from school. Hot drinks such as apple cider or hot chocolate will be well received during cold winter months of the school year. Cold blended fruit and vegetable soups are refreshing in warm weather.

Casseroles

Homemade casseroles may immediately bring your mind to good memories. Some casserole recipes may remind you of home and family gatherings. Share these homemade dishes with your child throughout the school year. If you prepare casseroles often at home, you already know which dishes your child enjoys. Introduce other family members' famous recipes. Baked desserts such as peach cobbler could be included as a hot treat.

Leftovers

If you have extra servings on hand of a fabulous dish, send it to school the next day. The left overs can be presented as a side item served with a sandwich and fruit. Hot hamburgers and hot dogs can be placed inside of a wide mouth thermos. Your child can have all of their favorites at school.

If your child still is not excited about their lunches that you pack, change. Ask your child what foods they would like to eat for lunch. Create some new menu ideas, based on your child's suggestions. Packing something hot from home everyday, is a great way for your child to have something delicious to look forward to when eating at meals at school. Sandwiches and cold finger foods can become monotonous. Always add new exciting snacks and main dishes to your child's lunches. If your child, tween, or teen is having a challenging week, think of what you can pack in their lunch to help them through their day. It may be a few kind words handwritten in their lunch box. Use these tips to keep your child well nourished at school.