Halcyon Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 (edited) Lunch is tough for us. I have picky kids and we don't like to take a long time off_for lunch either.i never have good ideas for lunch during the week, and am to"school focused" during school hours to get creative. Over the summer during camp i packed my boys lunch...fruit, juice our water, sandwich or soup, a cookie..did it the night before usually and put the lunch by the door..ah relief! I was thinking if doing this even though we are obviously still at Home..has anyone done this, and does it make your day run smoother? Eta: sorry about typo in the subject line! Autocorrect on iPad isn't that helpful lol Edited August 14, 2012 by Halcyon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegantlion Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 What a brilliant idea! I'm trying to do 45 minutes for lunch this year and I hate cooking lunch. Ds is so picky and will wait until lunch is over before he motivates himself to eat (he's old enough to cook for himself, yes, I'm mean). Anyway, a packed lunch he could take to his room and enjoy. Wow! I may try that tomorrow. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LaxMom Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I haven't, but it's an awesome idea! After years of having to stop in the middle of school to forage for and prepare lunch, and years of looking at the Laptop Lunch boxes in my cabinet and thinking how unused they are... why haven't I thought of that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I haven't done that but it sounds like a wonderful idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PIE! Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I do this when I remember to. When I'm consistent about it everything goes more smoothly. The kids like it better too. There's just something fun about unpacking a lunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frugalmama Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I do :D I found it made our day go MUCH smoother if dd had a lunchable or something similar, so now I make hers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happyhomemaker Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I do! We don't do it every day, but the day is much smoother when I do. Ds thinks it's the best thing ever to drink out of a thermos and have lunch out of his lunchbox. :D It helps cure the occasional "ps envy" as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwickimom Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I do it....its a lifesaver...I let my kids eat when they are hungry, we dont have a set time and sometimes they are hungry at different times. I pack mine too so its all set (I am on weight watchers and do this all the time anyways) I make sure the frige is loaded with drinks and a bin for approved snacks and I also make ahead pancakes and sausage for breakfasts. My kids eat breakfast at different times also so I just let them break and eat when they want as we work through the day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I do. It just makes it easier on me. My mom used to do it too, although with her, she had 3 kids going to ps and 4 at home so since she had to have lunches made anyway, we would just all make them. I often make my kids help put together their lunches and pack them up. That also helps save time and effort. Whatever saves me time throughout the day, is worth it to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I don't really pack per se, but often I have several things made up ahead so I just reheat or something. I've sort of become a short order cook these days. I know that will need to change once we start back up full swing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 14, 2012 Author Share Posted August 14, 2012 OK so now i need some good ideas for picky eater s! C chicken soup, chili, rollups, turkey and tomato sandwiches.....that's all i got lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meggie Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 I've done it before. I use the EasyLunchBoxes you can get on Amazon. I don't do it on a regular basis, but it did always make lunch go smoother. And then since I grossly overestimate how much I think they'll eat, so back in the fridge it goes until I hear more whining about how hungry they are. Afternoon snack, all ready to go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 We started this year - for the reason OP mentioned already. I was in the habit of packing lunches for summer camp, so I figured, 'why not'? The boys got new lunch boxes on the first day of school too. That was a big hit with them! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang!Zoom! Posted August 14, 2012 Share Posted August 14, 2012 Ya, I do that here, partially for the travel/bus that we do, but at home I can't handle housecleaning and talking things through all at once. Way easier to have it already done up. If I don't I feel like some kind of slave; it's very annoying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty in Pink Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I used to. Thanks for reminding me about that. My kids enjoy it when I pack lunches and honestly they eat more well-rounded meals that way. Our days go much more smoothly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Momma2Luke Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I've done it before. I use the EasyLunchBoxes you can get on Amazon. I don't do it on a regular basis, but it did always make lunch go smoother. And then since I grossly overestimate how much I think they'll eat, so back in the fridge it goes until I hear more whining about how hungry they are. Afternoon snack, all ready to go. I use these too! my ds LOVES his lunches in these containers... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
labst60 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 We do! Its a huge timesaver and makes the later morning/early afternoon so much more efficient. I use easylunchboxes http://www.amazon.com/EasyLunchboxes-3-compartment-Containers-BPA-Free-Easy-Open/dp/B004UIRUJ2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344995629&sr=8-1&keywords=bento+box Each girl has their own color - I usually do "momables" - (ham/cheeese and crackers like a lunchable) or pbj - yogurt and fruit and add a cookie. I stick them in a cooler on the counter and if we decide to hit hte park/pool midday, lunch is ready to go! Eta- I should have read the previous posts! I do the EXACT THING as Meggie. I fill the box which is too much food for 1-7 year olds - but we stick them in the fridge and they snack as needed untl dinnertime. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mandymom Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 (edited) I haven't done it, but I think I'm going to do something like this for our lunches (take a look at the "lunch" section). I wouldn't be making a lunch every evening, but I'd have homemade things that they can pull right out of the fridge and have for lunch. I figure I could make most days' lunches on a Sunday afternoon. It would be super handy for those evening when there is an activity that we need to grab something for on the go too. Edited August 15, 2012 by mandymom Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandylubug Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 We don't start our schooling until 1, so I cook our "dinner" for lunch since DH won't be home for dinner, and we have "lunch" sandwiches and lighter foods in the evenings after our studies when I am too tired to cook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sukale Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I get a lot of lunch ideas from here http://wendolonia.com/bentoboxgallery/ and here http://www.meetthedubiens.com/search/label/bento%20boxes. My kids eat so much more veggies when I take the time to have it already put together. The also snack on it until dinner time if the don't finish at lunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguistmama Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I've been thinking about doing this for the days we have an afternoon activity. When we finished school we could just grab lunch and eat in the car if needed! I know my kids would ADORE those cute little bento lunches with animal shaped cheese and pretty carrots, etc. But I probably won't have the energy to go that fancy. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 This is a great idea! We have 30 minutes scheduled for lunch this year, if I have to spend 10 or more minutes making it, we won't have much time to actually eat it! Thanks for the links, ladies. Off to check them out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksr5377 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I didn't last year but I'm planning on doing it this year. I'm thinking it will make lunch go much smoother. I'm also hoping it will make excursions easier on us. I'll be used to packing the night before so if we leave the house we'll have lunch and won't be so tempted by those golden arches. Or anything else with a drivethrough for that matter, especially Starbucks.:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mama Geek Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I am not exactly packing lunch, but sometime last week I decided I wasn't going to cook a meal for lunch. I have switched over to having crackers, cheese, lunchmeat, fruit, etc. I just picked up some cucumber. There is still a little prep time, but not nearly as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
---- Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I think it's a great idea. I wish I had thought of it when I was home educating. Laura Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dmmetler Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I may do that this year-DD is on a "I want school to be SCHOOL" kick, and LOVED having a lunch box at camp this summer :). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Could you also just make extras, pack it in separate boxes and have that? It's not like with a real packed lunch, because you can refrigerate it and so forth if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dm379 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 We do. I Go on the ps website for the area and see what theyre having for lunch and do my best to have that at home. I usually Fix it in the mornings and stick it in their lunch boxes in the fridge. The kids love it when they have the same lunch as their ps friends. Not sure why. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I sometimes prepare lunches the night before days I have to work in the afternoons. The day does run smoother for us. If I'm really running behind though, I know my parents will feed my boys. They watch them in the afternoons for me. Thank goodness! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILiveInFlipFlops Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Huh. I started out reading this thread thinking it was crazy, because I LOATHE packing lunches. It's one of those things that's always making me regret having signed the kids up for some kind of class or camp. But I'm always making those lunches under stress, worried about the ice packs and the amount of food etc. If I can do it at my leisure and don't have to worry about temperatures and such...that might really help me! I'm glad I read the thread after all. Thanks for the great ideas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lynn Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 At first I thought "this is weird, why pack lunch if you are home". Then I remembered that I actually enjoyed packing the kids lunches every morning. It makes sense in that once breakfast dishes are done and kitchen is clean it won't get messed up again for lunch. It makes sense to me and I plan to start this. using this http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I pack lunches and snacks because most days we are out of the house at lunchtime and I don't want to pay for takeout or whatnot. They love it and it is way less hassle than when I don't pack. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoot Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I do most of the time. I bought 5 reusable containers with lids at the Dollar Store and pack them all for the week on Sunday night. It makes life so simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I've thought about it, but it doesn't work for us. I do have bento lunch on the monthly lunch menu once a month. The menu is a life saver. I have 30 different meals for lunch. So I can go into the kitchen and just make what is next on the list. It saves us from having PB&j or grilled cheese everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Great idea! It was nice having a well-rounded lunch planned when they were going to camp. I too feel I am better about adding in fruits and veggies that way. I want to buy some of those reusable silicone paper cups to make it fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakeside Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I haven't done it, but I think I'm going to do something like this for our lunches (take a look at the "lunch" section). I wouldn't be making a lunch every evening, but I'd have homemade things that they can pull right out of the fridge and have for lunch. I figure I could make most days' lunches on a Sunday afternoon. It would be super handy for those evening when there is an activity that we need to grab something for on the go too. Oh my! I'm not sure if it was a good idea or a bad idea to click on that link! :lol: There were some great ideas there and, of course, I had to go and google around for other MJMs while the baby slept. Now I am *really* hungry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 What a great idea. I bought the kids lunch bags a few weeks ago....maybe we will use then more often than not. I am *supposed* to make dh's lunch every night, and if I was making one for all of us, that might make me be more on top of that.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang!Zoom! Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 That mason jar site is really really neat. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly1730 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Great idea! It was nice having a well-rounded lunch planned when they were going to camp. I too feel I am better about adding in fruits and veggies that way. I want to buy some of those reusable silicone paper cups to make it fun. I put those in my cart at amazon;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justLisa Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 That mason jar site is really really neat. Thanks! I just bookmarked it. I have not seen it prior! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I put those in my cart at amazon;) I really like the square ones. I know Amazon has them, but I may get them at AC Moore with a 50% off coupon. The mini ones would be good for dips. ;) Michaels may have them, and they have a 50% off baking item coupon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TravelingChris Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 Only for going to co-op or field trips or such stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nertsmommy Posted August 15, 2012 Share Posted August 15, 2012 I was just considering this today. I thought it was weird that I wanted to pack lunches when we are home, but it would go so much more smoothly if they could get their lunches out of the fridge while I took care of other things that needed done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linguistmama Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 It just occurred to me that a bento breakfast would really help me get started with school earlier! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mom-ninja. Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Even better idea. Have my boys pack their lunches the evening before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 At first I thought "this is weird, why pack lunch if you are home". Then I remembered that I actually enjoyed packing the kids lunches every morning. It makes sense in that once breakfast dishes are done and kitchen is clean it won't get messed up again for lunch. It makes sense to me and I plan to start this. using this http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/ This looks great! Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 Yes...I have 4 tupperware like containers and distribute the leftovers from dinner and all we have to do is pour something to drink and pop in the microwave. Bliss I tell ya! :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted August 16, 2012 Share Posted August 16, 2012 This looks great! Thanks! That is a great website! I used those same containers for camp lunches. I am feeling very inspired! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halcyon Posted August 16, 2012 Author Share Posted August 16, 2012 That is a great website! I used those same containers for camp lunches. I am feeling very inspired! I would love to find smething like that in glass..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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