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After a year and a half away from the lunch-packing hustle, it’s almost time to dive back in. Honestly, I don’t miss the chaos of preparing meals for school, and the constant shifts of the pandemic haven’t made my kitchen any easier to manage. With school starting on September 1st, I’m feeling the pressure to figure out a lunch plan quickly.
I’ve been packing lunches for a decade now for my husband and two kids, so I know I’m not alone in this struggle. A recent survey indicated that nearly 60% of parents are feeling stressed just thinking about back-to-school meal planning. The coordination of schedules, grocery trips, and meal prep can be overwhelming—especially with rising grocery prices and the challenge of getting kids to eat their fruits and veggies.
KISS: Keep It Simple, Sister
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to organizing menus. I used to plan biweekly, but that’s become too much lately. Instead, I recommend taking a moment each week to look at your schedule and plan accordingly. Whether your kids are back in class or learning virtually, lunches are a daily requirement. My kids tend to be picky, so I’ll be packing lunch for four out of five school days.
Don’t let Pinterest-perfect meals intimidate you. If your child won’t eat something—like kale, for instance—don’t waste your time trying to make it appealing. Instead, simplify things by letting kids choose from a few options that they enjoy. For my daughters, this means they can pick between a deli sandwich, a classic PB&J, or a salad. It may not be gourmet, but it’s quick to prepare, especially if you do it the night before.
Lunch Doesn’t Have to be Complicated
Remember, there’s no award for the fanciest lunches. The goal is to ensure your kids are fed and ready for their day. Pair their main dish with some chips and a fruit salad you prepped over the weekend. As the primary meal planner, it can be draining to manage breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Don’t hesitate to use the option of hot lunches at school on days when you’re short on time or energy. In fact, there’s nothing wrong with allowing your kids to have hot lunch every day if it works for your family.
It’s essential to acknowledge the privilege in this situation. Many families face food insecurity, and if that’s your reality, know that there are federal and state resources available for assistance.
As we adjust back to our pre-pandemic routines, it’s perfectly fine to take your time. If you’re lucky enough to have kids who will eat anything, great! For those of us with pickier eaters, just remember: if they’re hungry enough, they’ll eat what you pack—even if they won’t admit they secretly love that celery!
If you’re looking for more insights, check out this helpful post on our other blog. And if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, Make A Mom is a great authority on the subject. For additional resources on pregnancy and home insemination, explore Mount Sinai’s infertility resources.
Summary
This post emphasizes the importance of simplifying lunch packing for kids as school starts again. With the KISS (Keep It Simple, Sister) approach, parents can reduce stress by allowing kids to choose from a few options they enjoy. The focus is on practicality and ensuring kids are nourished rather than striving for perfection in lunch presentation.