I haven’t felt my 100% lately and I wanted to make sure I get to still do something for my kids on the days that I don’t feel as bad.
That’s one of the biggest reasons I started making them lunches. I just stumbled upon bento lunches when I saw how cute they were and figured my kids would be more excited about their food if it looked fun.
Today, I’m sharing a few things you will need to think about if you want to start making bento lunches for your children.
1) Foods your child like to eat
2) Menu planning and shopping
3) Time for food preparation
4) Temperature control of the food
5) Containers and decorating
1 Foods your child like to eat
The lunch you will make for your child has to be something that they will enjoy and eat even when you’re not around. Sure you can come up with a great lunch box with an egg salad and cookies but if your child doesn’t enjoy these foods, you have just wasted both your time and money.
To avoid upset kids and parents…
a) Consider your child’s favorite foods
b) Introduce new foods to your child before putting them in their lunch box
c) Gain commitment and reinforce your child for trying new foods.
2 Menu planning and shopping
I normally make a menu plan and purchase 2 weeks worth of supplies to make lunches. I have to make sure I switch them up a bit to keep the kids from getting bored. There’s always something different to do whether it’s good preparation to containers or food combinations.
3 Time for food preparation
Some moms can spend hours perfecting the most creative lunch box. Some moms spend the same time making their meals from scratch. I’m the kind that can’t spend too much time preparing lunches. I always find a way to make things faster and easier even it it means the lunchbox isn’t as cute as I hoped it would be.
4 Temperature control of the food
When choosing what lunches to make your children, you may want to consider how long the food will stay out before it gets eaten or gets bad. Keep in mind the time your child will have lunch and make sure that his food will stay fresh till then. You might have to purchase a thermos container for soups and cold packs for some lunches.
5 Containers and decorating
When doing bentos, it’s important to consider the types of food and amount of food you want to use when choosing containers.
There are many stores locally or online that sells bento supplies. You don’t have to buy the expensive ones. I say invest in a couple of good pieces and stay practical.
Silicone cups are perfect food dividers and bento picks are easy decorations for your lunches. You always have the option to do fancier decorations like shaping your food into characters and other things.
Bento lunches are fun and can be a memorable part of your children’s childhood. Have a great time using your creativity in making them. Share your enthusiasm with your child and they will be so grateful and feel extra special!
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