Keeping Lunch Packing Simple with the KISS Method This Year

Menu Lifestyle

Keeping Lunch Packing Simple with the KISS Method This Year
by Jessica Lee
August 26, 2021

It’s been a long time since I had to think about packing my kid’s lunch for school (or topping up their meal card—let’s be real). Honestly, I don’t miss it one bit. But I can’t say I’ve enjoyed running a 24-hour kitchen during the pandemic either. What’s a mom to do? With school starting on September 1st, I need to figure something out—like, yesterday. Not going to lie, I’m kind of stressed about it.

This isn’t my first rodeo. Between my partner and both kids, I’ve been packing lunches for over a decade now. If you’re a parent feeling anxious about lunch packing, don’t fret. You’re definitely not alone. A survey of 2,000 parents revealed that nearly 60% feel stressed just thinking about back-to-school meal planning. Balancing schedules, grocery shopping, and planning meals for the week is enough to make anyone’s head spin. And let’s not forget the soaring grocery prices! Plus, the reality that our little ones are likely to toss out the fruits and veggies essential for their health can be daunting. Deep breath. Let’s simplify lunch packing with a plan.

KISS: Keep It Simple, Sister

I have to admit, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to making menus. I used to plan them biweekly, but lately, that’s felt overwhelming too. Once a week, sit down with your calendar and review what’s happening. With school back in session, it’s time to plan for lunches five days a week. My kids are incredibly picky eaters, so I’ll be packing lunches for four out of those five days.

When it comes to planning and preparing lunches, it’s easy to get bogged down by Pinterest-perfect meal ideas. For instance, my daughters aren’t fans of kale (and honestly, neither am I). It doesn’t matter how creatively I present it; it’s still going to come back home untouched. Focus on what works for your kids. I couldn’t care less if Karen sent little Suzie to school with gourmet veal drizzled in a fancy sauce. If your kids won’t eat it, why waste your time and effort?

To make things easier on yourself, offer a few options that your kids can choose from in advance. My girls enjoy salads and sandwiches, so each week they know they can pick between a deli sandwich, PB&J, or salad. It’s not gourmet, but it’s edible. Plus, these options are quick to prepare—ideally, you can throw them together the night before.

Making Life Easier—Lunch Shouldn’t Be a Struggle

Give yourself a break. There’s no award for the most Pinterest-worthy lunch. The main thing is that your kids are fed and ready to take on their day. Pair their main dish with some chips and a scoop of that fruit salad you prepped on Sunday before the week’s chaos began. It can be exhausting for moms to be the primary person worrying about meals and snacks. Remember, most schools offer hot lunches too. There’s nothing wrong with relying on that option when you’re in a pinch or just feeling drained.

In fact, it’s perfectly fine for your kids to have hot lunch at school five days a week. As long as they’re getting enough to eat, you’re doing a great job. It’s important to recognize that this all comes from a place of privilege. Many families face food insecurity, which is a serious issue. If you’re in that situation, know that there are federal and state resources available for your child.

The past year and a half has turned our schedules upside down. It will take time for us and our little ones to adjust back to normalcy, and that’s okay. If you’re lucky, you might have kids who will eat anything you pack. For the rest of us, just keep calm and keep packing. Trust me, if they’re hungry enough, they’ll find something in that lunch bag you lovingly prepared—even if they never admit to enjoying that celery you included. A mom can dream, right?

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In summary, keep your lunch packing simple using the KISS method. Focus on what your kids will actually eat, and don’t stress over being the perfect Pinterest parent. Remember, as long as your kids are fed, you’re doing great!