“trade-proof” your child’s lunch
What really happens to that nutritious meal once your child gets to the lunchroom? Does he trade it away for a cupcake or soda? How do you ensure your kid will keep his healthy sandwich? By making the lunchbox fun, of course.
Below are tips you can use for making a fun and exciting lunch that will turn your child’s friends green with envy. Check back each month for new ideas.
Idea #1: Doggone It
Idea #2: Message In A Bag
Idea #3: Brain Food
Idea #4: Get A Clue
Idea #5: Horse Lover
Idea #6: Make Your Own Apple Pie Treat
Idea #7: Chat With Moms Like You
Idea #1 of 7: Doggone It
For your puppy-loving child, cut the sandwich or cheese slices, with a dog bone shaped cookie cutter. Add some “people puppy chow” treats (cocoa cereal puffs). Using a pen or rubber stamp on the lunch bag, complete the theme with a puppy sticker on the napkin and a dog paw print.Idea #2 of 7: Message In a Bag
Add a message bubble to a photo of your family pet and place it into the lunch bag. The note can say, "I can't wait to play with you when you get home!" You’ll find message bubble stickers in the scrapbook section of your local craft store.Idea #3 of 7: Brain Food
Cut the word scramble or puzzle from the newspaper kid's section. Roll it around a pencil and include it in the lunch bag for a fun after-lunch activity.Idea #4 of 7: Get A Clue
During the week, leave clues in your child's lunch that lead to a Friday afternoon or evening surprise. The surprise can be something big like a weekend adventure, or something small such as a toy or special dessert. If your child is not yet reading, use pictures or stickers of the clues.Idea #5 of 7: Horse Lover
Your kids will gallop to eat this healthy lunch. Cut the sandwich with a horseshoe or horse-shaped cookie cutter. Pack up some apple wedges and carrots. Include an oatmeal cookie and a horse sticker on a green napkin! Complete the theme with a coloring sheet or mini figurine. Kit’s Tip: Keep the apple from turning an unappetizing brown by rinsing or spraying the apple wedges with a lemon and water solution.Idea #6 of 7: Make Your Own Apple Pie Treat
Combine apple chunks with a small amount of vanilla or plain yogurt and some cinnamon sugar. Stir it up and store in a re-usable container. Pack the apple topping with some graham crackers and a spoon for scooping. Combining the apples with the yogurt will keep them from turning brown.Idea #7 of 7: Chat with moms like you
Café Mom offers social networking groups you can join to discuss things such as providing healthy meals for your family. Sign up today to get ideas from other moms on making the lunchbox fun, share what you’ve learned about the benefits of whole grain, or just chat about your favorite pastime. Go to cafemom.com to start sharing and find other moms pledging to make the switch.
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