Do you find the daily task of making lunches overwhelming?
Here are a few routines that will help simplify weekday lunches.
- Add lunches to your meal planning. See my brown bag lunch ideas for some fresh ideas.
- Do prep at the beginning of the week. Slice cheese and sausage, wash and slice fruit and vegetables, boil eggs and bake muffins and cookies. Store appropriately in separate containers so it’s ready when you need it. If you make extra cookies, store them in the freezer so they don’t disappear so fast. Out of sight, out of mind philosophy. They just might last for the week!
- Teach the kids how to bake cookies, Rice Krispie square, muffins, etc.
- Make lunches the evening before while supper is cooking or right after supper is cleaned up. And then clean up the few extra dishes.
- When the kids are old enough, teach them how to make their own lunches. This will require some follow-up and feedback, but it’s a good skill for them to learn.
- Have everyone empty their lunch bags in the kitchen as soon as they get home, so the containers and water bottles are cleaned and ready to use the next day.
- We are all trying to cut down on plastic waste. My first solution is reusable containers. But these get lost or forgotten. If they do come home, they fill up the top of the dishwasher fast. And just try keeping them organized. What a mess! Try wrapping your sandwiches and snacks in parchment or wax paper. They will be fresh even if you make them the evening before.
I hope you found these suggestions helpful.
Remember, kids love to learn and feel useful. Having an honest chat with them about how you need their help just might go further than you think.
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