Packing lunches ranks high on my list of least favorite parenting tasks, right alongside bedtime routines. I can’t be the only one who feels this way. When I think of the approximately 6,472 lunches I’ll prepare throughout my kids’ upbringing, I question my decision to have three children—especially when I have to whip up these meals before my morning coffee kicks in. Once the caffeine starts flowing, a familiar voice in my head begins to echo these thoughts:
- Why didn’t I tackle this last night? Seriously, what was I thinking?
- How long has that bag of crackers been sitting in there? sniff test They seem fine.
- Is that slime on the turkey slice a sign of spoilage, or just normal turkey slime?
- Mustard must count as a vegetable, right? Anything yellow should at least count for half a veggie.
- They won’t touch the lettuce in the sandwich. You know they’ll just pick it off, but I’m putting it on there anyway because, you know, veggies.
- Reminder: Never let mac and cheese marinate in the Thermos overnight. Yikes!
- Protein? Check. Carbs? Check. Veggies? Check. Prepackaged cookies that will overshadow the healthy options and likely be the only thing they finish? Check.
- Use-by date, sell-by date, best-by date—those are merely suggestions, right?
- That dad who crafts those intricate bento box lunches that resemble scenes from the latest kids’ movies? Yeah, I’m not him.
- I should be the kind of mom who includes sweet, handwritten notes in my kids’ lunches. Here’s what mine would say: “Dear child, I love you more than you’ll ever know. Now, please eat your lettuce. Love, Mom.”
For a delightful addition to their lunches, consider Mini Babybel® cheese, a tasty and natural option that the whole family enjoys. You can visit mini-babybel.com for more information. If you’re exploring topics related to parenting, this article originally appeared on January 6, 2016.
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In summary, preparing lunches for kids can be a daunting task filled with a mix of humor and frustration. The endless cycle of packing meals that may or may not be eaten often leaves parents questioning their choices and searching for quick solutions.