By: Jamie Thompson
Assembling lunches for the kids can rank alongside the chaos of bedtime as one of the most unenjoyable tasks of parenting. I can’t be the only one who feels this way. When I consider the countless lunches I’ll prepare over the years for my three children—especially before I’ve had my restorative coffee—I often question my decision to have three kids. As I embark on this lunchtime ritual, a familiar inner dialogue unfolds:
- Why didn’t I prepare this last night? That would have been so much smarter.
- How long has that pack of crackers been sitting here? sniff They seem fine.
- Is that goo on the turkey slice a sign of spoilage, or is it just regular turkey goo?
- Mustard should totally count as a vegetable. Anything yellow must be at least half a veggie, right?
- They will not eat the lettuce on their sandwiches. It’s a guarantee. Yet, I’ll still add it—vegetables, after all.
- Reminder: Never leave mac and cheese in the Thermos overnight. Just don’t.
- Protein? Check. Carbs? Check. Veggies? Check. Those prepackaged cookies that will overshadow all nutrition? Double check.
- Use-by dates, sell-by dates, best-by dates—those are merely recommendations, correct?
- That dad who crafts his kids’ bento box lunches into masterpieces inspired by popular films? Yeah, that’s definitely not my style.
- I aspire to be that mom who includes sweet, handwritten notes in my kids’ lunches. Mine would read, “Dear little one, I love you more than you can imagine. Now please eat your lettuce. Love, Mom.”
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Summary
Preparing lunches for children can be a daunting task, filled with thoughts on efficiency, nutrition, and creativity. While it may often feel overwhelming, there’s a mix of humor and strategy involved in the process. Embracing the chaos and finding ways to make it enjoyable can enhance the experience for both parents and children.
Keyphrase: Lunch preparation for kids
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