Sunshine and Hurricanes

Smart Parenting with Purpose

  • Mom Life
  • Young Kids
  • Tweens & Teens
  • Technology
    • Apps for Kids – The Ultimate Guide
    • Safety
  • Family Resources
    • Recipes
      • Meal Plans
      • Snacks
      • Dessert
      • Holiday Recipes
    • Travel
      • Florida
      • Disney
    • Savings
      • Monthly Best Buys
    • Holidays
  • Gift Guides
  • About S & H
    • Contact Sunshine and Hurricanes
    • Disclosure Policy
  • Shop

Teaching Kids To Pack Their Own School Lunch

By Michelle Myers 45 Comments

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

This post may contain affiliate links.

I am not a morning person. At all.  Our family needs to exit the house around 7am during the school year to make sure my 4 kids arrive at 3 different schools on time. There is hair to be done, breakfast to be made, morning chores, and school lunch to prepare times four. Teaching my kids to make their own school lunches became essential for my sanity and it helped them to learn important life skills as well as a sense of responsibility.

Tired of packing your kids lunches? It's time to let the kids take over. Any child over the age of five can at least help pack their lunch, if not do it entirely on their own. It's a great way to help them develop essential life skills and a sense of responsibility. They'll be so proud of what they can do and you'll be glad to have one less thing on your plate. Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own Lunch. SunshineandHurricanes.com

Remember how I’m not a morning gal? Well, it takes effort to be patient, loving, & plugged in before I send my 4 kiddos out in the world. A few years ago, I separated out what I needed to do versus what they were able to do to keep things sane for all of us. We use a system that is so simple and it allows my kids to pack their own lunches, even in the preschool years! Here’s what we do:

lunchbox hacks

Step 1: choose a “main meal”- either a sandwich, pizza, or quesadilla along with an ice pack from the freezer. Our Post on Easy Lunchbox Hacks will tell you all about how we pre-make these and freeze them.

Step 2: grab a drink(we generally use the pint size water bottles or a refillable water bottle, juice boxes are a once in awhile thing) and a fruit serving. Our fruit servings are applesauce cups, fruit bowls, or fresh fruits. The drinks and fruits are kept in a large drawer in our refrigerator.

Step 3: {Optional, not always available} pick a cheese stick, yogurt, or hard boiled egg. I generally have at least one of these available when I know we’re not coming straight home afterschool. That way, the extra protein serving(s) winds up tiding them over and we avoid the Chick-Fil-A drive thru. Well, sometimes we end up there anyway, who am I kidding?

Why My Kids Pack Their Own Lunches

Step 4: choose items from among our 3 snack jars. There is a jar of salty, one of sweet, and one of miscellaneous items like granola bars, raisins, or fruit snacks. They’re permitted one item from each jar and the younger ones rarely eat everything at school; however, my kids tend to jump in the van afterschool and are famished so there is a snack awaiting them, right in their lunchbox!

How My Kids Pack Their Own Lunches

The key to all of this is prep work.  Approximately every other week the kids & I refill the jars and I keep the fruit/water drawer continuously stocked.

Why MY Kids Pack Their Own Lunches

As an added way to stretch our budget, I buy bulk quantities of snacks and we create our own snack size servings and place them in the jar.

Studies abound that demonstrate children who have regular chores are more confident, independent, and secure. By allowing your children to acquire life skills, you’re helping in their overall development and eliminating one more thing from your busy mornings!

Want even more School Lunch help, or back to school tips and tricks. 

Healthy, Quick and Easy School Lunch Ideas

Easy School Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches

10 Fun and Meaningful Back To School Traditions for Your Family

 

Filed Under: Mom Life, Recipes Tagged With: easy eats, Helping Kids Develop Life Skills, independence, Life Skills, Life Skills for Kids, meal planning, school lunch

About Michelle Myers

Michelle Myers is mom to four kiddos ranging from elementary thru high school, each with strong opinions and a flair for the dramatic. In other words, they're a lot like her. Former educator and lover of learning, she divides her time between carpool and Starbucks by reading voraciously and giving TED talks to herself at red lights. A Floridian for almost 40 years, Michelle loves the beach, making people laugh, and date nights with her hubby of 25 years...and yeas, they clearly married at age 7.
Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/Twitter

« 10 Fun and Meaningful Back To School Traditions for Your Family
Easy School Lunch Ideas That Aren’t Sandwiches »

Comments

  1. Caryn says

    August 14, 2015 at 9:27 pm

    I LOVE your snack jars. And, easy lunch box hacks are up my alley, too. I’m into freezing yogurt, smoothies and even cheese to eat later in the day.

    Reply
  2. Jessica says

    August 13, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    Pinned and saving. I definitely need this for my little man!

    Reply
  3. Sarah says

    August 12, 2015 at 9:03 pm

    Great tips and ideas! Can’t wait until my kids are old enough to help pack their lunch. It’s always a race against the clock in the mornings.

    Reply
  4. Laura Martin says

    August 12, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    Love love love this! My son will love this when he is a little older.

    Reply
  5. aimee fauci says

    August 12, 2015 at 7:21 pm

    I should and could make my girls pack their own lunches but it is so much easier to do it myself and knowing them they’d forget to pack something healthy.

    Reply
  6. Tiffani says

    August 12, 2015 at 12:42 pm

    Girl, I wanted to stand up shout “Amen!” & do a happy dance when I came across your post. Our school year started 2 weeks ago & my 11, 9, & 7 year old are making their lunches for the first time. My arm is in a sling so they have been forced to fend for themselves. However, this has made them more patient with each other & more willing to work together. A blessing in our house!

    Reply
  7. Paris at My Big Fat Happy Life says

    August 12, 2015 at 10:09 am

    What a great idea! I love getting my daughter involved.

    Reply
  8. Joanna Sormunen says

    September 11, 2014 at 2:30 pm

    I’m so going to implement this with my son! It’s such a great way to help him become more independant and understand about healthy choices!

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:27 am

      So glad you liked the ideas, I love when things help our kids and us!

      Reply
  9. Kristia {Family Balance Sheet} says

    September 11, 2014 at 9:04 am

    A friend of mine still packs her high schooler’s lunch every day. My 3rd grader has been packing her lunch since 1st grade and I’m now helping my 1st grader become just as independent.

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:29 am

      It’s so important to help kids achieve independence, great work, Kristia!

      Reply
  10. Belinda says

    September 8, 2014 at 6:32 pm

    Great idea. I particularly like how you pack enough for the whole day the kids will be out and about. It is helpful to have a different idea than doing it the night before which is what most people do to answer the stress of the morning rush. Though we homeschool so we don’t pack lunch – the kids do make their own lunches and there are foods that have been bought for lunches – I do talk to a lot of mums about this issue – I’m sure I’ll be passing on this idea.

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      September 15, 2014 at 9:31 am

      So glad you liked the post, Belinda! My sister was a homeschooling mom for several years and still found there were days she needed to have her kids pack a lunch so it’s a great skill to have! I love that your kids make their own lunches at home, way to teach life skills!!!!!

      Reply
  11. Ali says

    September 7, 2014 at 2:40 am

    All are well and done ideas, however, this is mostly junk (processed foods) that you are suggesting, according to the pictures! Too much sodium and sugars…bad!
    There needs to be more vegetables and fruits, less fruit juices (too much fructose) plain water is best, greek yogurts (can be very tasty with fresh fruits added), left overs from night before, salads, home made muffins, home made granola bars, etc. (At least you know what you have put into them). Less wheat products as more and more kids allergic to gluten. We need to teach our children the benefits of healthy foods and it begins with education. Let’s instill good habits in our kids and they will carry it on for a life time. Just saying 🙂

    Reply
    • Michelle Myers says

      September 7, 2014 at 11:36 am

      Hi Ali! Thanks so much for reading the post and yes, there is always a way to improve! This wasn’t labeled as “healthy” or “best” but as a METHOD for kids to use to achieve independence. There is no reason why the suggestions you made cannot be implemented and the METHOD used. Also, I did note my kids do take fresh fruits, water, etc. I’m guessing your main issues were with the snack jars, which could easily be modified to what works best for you and your family. I appreciate your feedback! 🙂

      Reply
      • Ali says

        September 7, 2014 at 1:36 pm

        Hi,
        Yes, I agree with you! I really don’t mean to be critical, but I did cringe at the processed foods in your pictures 😉 Love the jar idea tho!… But we try our best to provide good lunches for our kids. I have been guilty with providing sandwiches which contain processed lunch meats, and there are always alternatives. Love your site!

        Reply
      • Ali says

        September 7, 2014 at 4:23 pm

        Hi,
        Please don’t get me wrong. It just strikes a chord with me about processed everything, with all the additives added these days, and kids are just so used to getting it (ie. Mc-D’s, etc). I have learned a lot along the way. My kids are in their twenties and we did lots of lunches together. Love that we can teach them independence 🙂

        Reply
  12. Carrie says

    September 5, 2014 at 9:03 pm

    In a year or two, I’ll let my daughter take over lunch making and packing. Right now I am enjoying it too much. Thank you for sharing at Sharing Saturday!

    Reply
  13. Laura at Mommy Maleta says

    September 3, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    This is exactly what we are doing at our house! Those snack bins seem to empty too quickly…thx for linking this post up over at the thoughtful spot. Hope to see more from you soon!

    Reply
  14. Gina says

    September 3, 2014 at 12:44 pm

    I love that you encourage your kids to do so much for themselves. I am really working on that. It’s just easier to do it myself–and faster–so I’m making everyone get started on the morning routine with plenty of time so they can be more independent.

    Reply
  15. Sharon@DiscoverExploreLearn says

    September 2, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Great tips! Now, I just need to apply them. 🙂 Is is bad that I still pack all of my kids’ lunches? Yep, even my highschooler. Ridiculous, I know. 🙂

    Reply
  16. Randi says

    September 1, 2014 at 2:47 pm

    I really liked these ideas! We homeschool, but there are a couple days during the week that require a packed lunch- I love the idea of having jars with snack options. I’m totally trying this out!

    Reply
  17. Antionette Blake says

    August 30, 2014 at 1:13 am

    Great job mom and it won’t be long before they are older and eating you out of house and home! Great share, thank you for visiting us at the #WWDParty.

    Reply
  18. Sandi says

    August 29, 2014 at 10:51 am

    Fully agree – teach kids independence skills. We had a very similar system. Each child had to choose a sandwich or equivalent, a piece of fruit, a healthy snack and a treat and fill their juice bottle. They chose what they wanted for lunch, so I heard way fewer complaints. The kids also had to start cooking a dinner a week when they were 11. Both kids left home competent in the kitchen and capable of cooking healthy meals when they went to university.

    Reply
  19. Caroline says

    August 26, 2014 at 12:19 pm

    Great idea. I really have to start a similar system and get my kids to pack their own lunch!!! That would save me some time. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  20. Lynn says

    August 26, 2014 at 10:52 am

    Great tips!! I generally try to get as much as I can packed the night before, and the fridge stuff in the morning. Packing lunches is my least fav thing to do when school starts back.

    Reply
  21. Rachel @ R & R Workshop says

    August 25, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    I love all of these ideas!! We try and buy in bulk but then we get sick of the same crackers over and over. but maybe putting them into small bags and putting the rest away may help. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Alana @ ihaveafutureandahope.com says

      August 25, 2014 at 11:36 pm

      I really need to start buying in bulk Rachel @ R & R Workshop. Guess I will be heading to a COSCO somewhere soon!

      Reply
  22. Alana @ ihaveafutureandahope.com says

    August 25, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    This is a great way to eliminate the stress. I love all the pre-packing of items. Great ideas.

    Reply
  23. Kira K. says

    August 25, 2014 at 4:48 pm

    What a great idea! I have been prepping my kids lunches on school nights, but I think I am going to have them start doing it themselves based on your tips!

    Reply
  24. Allison @ Lighten Up! says

    August 25, 2014 at 12:29 pm

    I LOVE your lunch-packing system! Great idea to get the kids involved!

    Reply
  25. Marie says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:34 am

    What a great post! I wish my son were able to pack his own lunch. He’s not quite there yet, but maybe throughout this year we can transition him to being the main “packer”. lol

    Reply
  26. Katie @ Little House of Four says

    August 25, 2014 at 11:23 am

    I am so not a morning person either! I feel you on getting the kids and myself presentable and out the door on time for school and work. I love the idea of having the kids help in the morning (or evening) with packing their lunch. And those jars you used are perfect and great for the kids to easily access and know what to grab. Great job!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Tips for Packing School Lunches - CorporetteMoms says:
    September 18, 2018 at 1:49 pm

    […] Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own School Lunch [Sunshine & Hurricanes] […]

    Reply
  2. Armed and Ready to Make School Lunches says:
    July 24, 2018 at 3:24 pm

    […] I have no doubt with these school lunch supplies, you’ll find making school lunch for your kids this year at least a little less stressful. I also think making them with a big mug of hot coffee totally makes it better. OR as you’re kids get older, teach your kids how to pack their own school lunches. […]

    Reply
  3. First Day of School Printables - Capture Their Cuteness Forever says:
    September 23, 2017 at 5:41 pm

    […] Teaching Kids How to Make Their Own School Lunches […]

    Reply
  4. How to Put An End To Your Manic Morning Routine FOREVER says:
    December 13, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    […] took another tip from the course to delegate tasks.  My children were old enough that they could learn to pack their own lunches and get their back packs ready for the next day. These are important life skills and I was doing […]

    Reply
  5. News Roundup - CorporetteMoms says:
    August 14, 2015 at 12:52 pm

    […] Sunshine and Hurricanes helps you teach your kid to pack her own lunch. […]

    Reply
  6. Lunch Box Hacks - Easy School Lunch Ideas - Sunshine and Hurricanes says:
    August 7, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    […] have time for cute cut outs and elaborate bento boxes.  That is part of why I taught my older kids how to pack their own school lunch. If you are in need of some other short-cuts or have kids that don’t like the traditional […]

    Reply
  7. Parenting Link Up #39 - How Do You Do It? says:
    October 7, 2014 at 11:50 am

    […] loved Michelle’s post on teaching kids to pack their own lunches over on Sunshine and Hurricanes. One of Michelle’s brilliant ideas is to provide her kids […]

    Reply
  8. Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop #53 - World for Learning says:
    September 8, 2014 at 6:23 am

    […] Teaching Kids To Pack Their Own Lunches from Sunshine & Hurricanes […]

    Reply
  9. Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop #53 - Stir The Wonder says:
    September 8, 2014 at 6:11 am

    […] Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own Lunches from Sunshine & Hurricanes […]

    Reply
  10. Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop #53 | ABC Creative Learning says:
    September 8, 2014 at 6:11 am

    […] Teaching Kids To Pack Their Own Lunches By: Sunshine and Hurricanes […]

    Reply
  11. Links Worth Sharing: Week of September 6, 2014 - says:
    September 6, 2014 at 10:40 am

    […] Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own Lunch […]

    Reply
  12. Weekend Wandering | What I Loved This Week| Living Well Spending Less says:
    August 31, 2014 at 6:38 am

    […] and Hurricanes has 4 great steps to Teaching Kids to Pack Their Own Lunch. I love […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
Hi There! We’re Michelle and Kira, two Florida moms who know that parenting is full of sunshine and hurricanes. So glad you are here. >>>LEARN MORE





Pinterest

Follow Sunshine and Hurricanes Best of S&H on Pinterest.

INSTAGRAM

Truth • • • #truth #parentingtips #parenting Truth
•
•
•
#truth #parentingtips #parentingkids #momlife
One & the same ☕️ (via @fowllanguagecomics )
•
•
•
#momhumor #funnymom #raisingkids #littleones #lovemykids #momlife
Never doubt that (via @michelle.merenda ) • • Never doubt that (via @michelle.merenda )
•
•
•
#parentingkids #parentingteens #raisinglittleones #momsofinstagram #momlife
We all had a playroom growing up...it was called o We all had a playroom growing up...it was called outside
*
*
*
#momhumor #parentingwithpurpose #raisingkids
Ever wonder what to say when your child is feeling Ever wonder what to say when your child is feeling left out?  A few years ago, I watched from my park bench as a young mother tried to console her sobbing daughter. “I’m sorry, honey. I don’t blame you for being upset.”  “I don’t know why they won’t let me be in their group for the talent show. They just said they already had enough people and their routine was done and there wasn’t anything they could do about it. I told them I would make a new one up, but they wouldn’t do it.”  I tried to focus on my kindle while occasionally looking for my kids to exit the school door. But as much as I tried not to eavesdrop, I had to admit I was interested to hear how the mom would handle this all-too-common situation of a child feeling left out.  “Well, they’re probably just jealous of you honey, because you are such a good gymnast and they aren’t. They probably don’t want you in their group because you’ll show them up,” the mom stated matter-of-factly. “You should do a solo routine. Or maybe one with Chloe.”  “You think?” the girl replied, her tears slowing down. “You think they’re just jealous of my tumbling?”  “Totally.”  Several minutes passed before my girls came out, but the interaction between the mother and daughter stuck with me for a lot longer.  Maybe the girls were jealous, or maybe they honestly had their routine finished.  To continue reading check the link in bio.
Repeat after me! * * * #momsofinstagram #parenting Repeat after me!
*
*
*
#momsofinstagram #parentingkids #raisingkids #momsofinstagram
Where did all of our money go?? * * * #momhumor #r Where did all of our money go??
*
*
*
#momhumor #raisingkids #funnymom #momofinstagram #momsofinstagram #momlife
Instagram post 17870490628965807 Instagram post 17870490628965807
This is an awesome way to keep track of height * * This is an awesome way to keep track of height
*
*
*
#cleverparents #parentingwithpurpose #momlife #momsofinstagram
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · PRIVACY POLICY · Website by Moritz Fine Designs LLC

Copyright © 2022 · Tasteful Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

  • 171