Prepare for Lunchtime Success
As a child, I both loved and dreaded the days I got to take a lunch packed from home. The anticipation of that lunch never quite lived up to the challenge of it for me. From the second the lunchbox scraped open (I'm vintage and talking about this kind of lunchbox),
I remember being bombarded by the smells. That banana sure got ripe in a hurry! Whoa, holy tuna fish sandwich.🤢
And somehow, the sandwich that I loved at home, freshly made, just didn't have the same appeal when it was squished and soggy.
What did I end up eating, usually? If I were lucky enough to have them in the
lunchbox, probably some chips and the drink (water, because juice boxes hadn't been invented yet).
Fast-forward to present day: I still have some challenges with packing a lunch.
But I've learned some handy tips I'd like to share, to make your lunch-packing experiences a little easier to bear.
1. Stick to familiar foods your child enjoys. Introducing new items may trigger sensory challenges, so it's best to keep the lunchbox filled with their “sure thing” foods, especially early in the school year.
2. Choose sensory-friendly lunch containers. Some kids might prefer containers with smooth edges, easy-to-open lids, or compartments that keep different foods separated (like a Bentgo lunchbox).
3. It's a stick-up. When in doubt, put it on a stick! Everything is more fun when skewered – cheese cubes, grapes, olives, cucumbers, pickles, even chicken nuggets.
4. Take temperature preferences into account. A thermos works great for keeping food warm until lunchtime. Use this pro-mom tip: Pour hot water into the thermos in the morning while you are warming the food. Pour the water out, dry the container quickly, and put the warm food in.
5. Offer dips and sauces. Sometimes, kids with sensory issues find it easier to eat certain foods when they can dip them. Hummus, yogurt, or fruit dips can add a fun element to lunchtime.
6. Create visually appealing presentations. Arrange the food neatly, use colorful food picks or silicone cups to separate items, and consider using cookie cutters for fun shapes.
7. Add a personal touch. A joke or a funny note can brighten up their lunch break and let them know you are thinking about them.
8. Miniaturize everything. Everything tastes better when it's bite-sized! Cut sandwiches into fun shapes, make fruit kebabs, and prepare tiny muffins for bite-sized lunchtime adventures.
9. Be slow and deliberate when introducing new foods. If you want to expand your child's food choices, introduce new items one at a time in a deliberate and gradual manner.
10. Let your child be part of the packing process. They might be more willing to try new foods if they feel a sense of control and ownership over their lunch choices.
Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient and observe your child's reactions to different foods and lunchtime challenges. With a little trial and error, you'll find the right balance to create a sensory-friendly lunchbox experience that supports their needs and helps them enjoy mealtime — all 13 minutes of it 😉 — to the fullest.
At That Makes Sense OT, we know you strive to provide your children with a healthy and balanced diet, ensuring they receive the nutrients they need to grow and flourish. When faced with pediatric feeding disorders and picky eating tendencies, mealtimes can be challenging... and those lunchbox meals? Yikes!
We’ve compiled a list of comprehensive and research-based strategies to avoid food jags. Not sure what a food jag is? Check out our blog about food jags.
In our guide to avoid food jags, we provide practical and proven ways to help your child become more flexible and adaptable to be able to eat a variety of foods.
