It’s been quite a while since I had to think about packing my kid’s lunch for school (or even refilling their meal card—let’s be real). Honestly, I don’t miss it one bit. But running a kitchen around the clock during the pandemic hasn’t exactly been my favorite either. With school starting September 1st, I’m feeling the pressure to get organized. Just a little freaked out over here!
This isn’t my first rodeo. After a decade of packing lunches for my husband and two kids, I know the ropes. If you’re a parent feeling overwhelmed by lunch prep, take a breath—you’re definitely not alone. A recent survey found that nearly 60% of parents stress out at the thought of back-to-school meal planning. Coordinating schedules, grocery runs, and meal planning can be daunting, especially with rising grocery prices and the frustration of knowing our little ones often toss out the fruits and veggies they really need. Deep breath, everyone. Let’s simplify lunch packing.
KISS: Keep It Simple, Sister
I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a nerd when it comes to menu planning. I used to do it biweekly, but that became too much lately. Now, I sit down once a week to look at my calendar and figure out what we need. With school back in session, it’s essential to plan lunches for the week. My kids are picky eaters, so I’ll be packing lunches for four out of five school days.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by those Pinterest-perfect meal ideas. Take my daughters, for example—they don’t like kale (and neither do I!). No matter how creatively I present it, it’s just going to come back home untouched. Focus on what your kids will actually eat. Karen may send her kid to school with gourmet meals, but if your kids won’t touch it, don’t waste your effort.
To ease your stress, let your kiddos choose from a few options in advance. My daughters enjoy salads and sandwiches, so each week they can pick from a deli sandwich, PB & J, or a salad. It’s not fancy, but it’s quick to prepare. You can even pack it the night before to save time.
Lunch Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
Remember, there’s no award for making the most Instagram-worthy lunches. The goal is to ensure your kids are fed and ready to tackle their day. Pair their main dish with a bag of chips and some fruit salad you prepped on Sunday. It can be exhausting being the one responsible for planning all the meals, but don’t forget that many schools offer hot lunches. It’s perfectly fine to let your kids have that on the days when you’re running late or just don’t feel up to packing something.
In fact, it’s completely okay for your kids to enjoy cafeteria lunches every day if that works for your family. As long as they’re being fed, you’re doing a fantastic job. It’s worth noting that this all comes from a place of privilege—many families face food insecurity, and if that’s you, there are federal and state resources available to help.
The past year and a half has changed our routines, and it will take time to adjust back to normal. If you’re lucky enough to have kids who will eat anything, that’s great! For the rest of us, just breathe and keep packing. If they’re hungry enough, your kids will find something in the lunch you lovingly prepared, even if they never admit they secretly love that celery you included. A mom can dream, right?
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Summary:
Packing school lunches doesn’t have to be stressful. Embrace the KISS (Keep It Simple, Sister) approach by planning weekly and allowing your kids to choose from a few simple options. Focus on what they’ll actually eat to minimize waste and frustration. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to let your kids have hot lunch at school too. The most important thing is that they are fed and ready for the day ahead.
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