One of the most effective ways to reach children is to listen to their desire for control. Putting them in the driver’s seat of food (with proper guidance, of course) gives them a sense of autonomy and investment, making them more likely to want and enjoy what they’re eating. Gardening and cooking with children are well-known ways to foster such agency, but the possibilities are much more. Every step in the eating process is an opportunity for engagement.
These lunchbox ideas are designed to maximize that engagement, empowering your child’s hands by making the meal itself a playful, action-oriented experience. Or based on activities you do during meals, but there are many ways to get them involved before. Each one is ready when your child opens the lunch box and the real fun and deliciousness begins.
Squeeze: Here, a savory sunflower butter sauce (presumably peanut sauce, but no nuts) is packaged in a small bottle and served with noodles and vegetables in separate containers as much (or as little) as you like. ) squeeze. The sauce makes you want to put it in your mouth unintentionally! An empty honey bear or small ketchup bottle works best. Alternatively, you can purchase small condiment containers. Make sure the lid can be sealed. The sauce is easy to make, so it’s perfect for making with kids. You can also personalize your lunch by choosing your favorite noodles and vegetables.
roll: Roll-up sandwiches are always popular, but somehow it tastes better when you can use your favorite ingredients and roll it yourself on the spot. Have your child help decide which elements to include. You’ll need a wrapper of some sort, such as one large tortilla, two small tortillas, or two slices of whole wheat bread flattened with a rolling pin. In a separate container, thinly slice or shred all ingredients, such as turkey or ham slices, cheese, and shreds, to facilitate layering and rolling. Vegetables such as carrots, ribs such as cabbage and lettuce can be removed and rolled easily. Add a small container or packet of your child’s favorite sandwich condiments, along with a tool to spread it out. please give me.
Immersion: The nice thing about dips is that you can eat them with your hands because the ladle becomes a vessel. This bento is centered around a creamy chili-lime flavored black bean dip that can be made mild or spicy to your liking. The dip itself is fun to make with the kids. Especially the kids are amazed when they see how they come together in the food processor. You can use another type of bean, such as pinto or kidney, to make this dip, or substitute store-bought hummus. The sky is the limit when it comes to the Big Dipper. Let your child choose an array of favorite vegetables, plus crunchy whole grain chips or crackers.
stack: Create homemade lunchable-style boxes by cutting a variety of food items all the same size for easy stacking. (You can use a small cookie cutter or glass to cut many items into roughly the same size as a cracker: turkey, ham, roast beef, marinated tofu, green apples, strawberries, etc. Place each in an individual muffin liner in your lunch box. Stack it up on top so it’s ready to mix and match at lunchtime.
Shake: This bento is like a work of art, with salad layered in a transparent container. Choose something inspired by vegetables and proteins and encourage your kids to create colorful creations. The Italian dressing here is a definite win, but it’s easy to replace, too. , Shake, shake, mix, and then take out of the container and eat right away.
In addition to these ideas, remember that another effective tool marketers use to reach children as they get used to the rhythm of the school year is the influence of role models. You may not think you can compete with professional athletes in cartoon characters and commercials, but the example you set will have a bigger impact than you think. Consider packing your own lunch the same way you pack, and sit down and enjoy lunch together whenever possible.
