Fall is here, and kids are settling back into the school routine. Along with classes, homework and activities, school lunch can bring its own set of challenges for families. In the MMI Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program, we spend many summer visits helping families prepare for successful school lunches — and we hear plenty of questions along the way: Hot lunch or packed lunch? Will my child have enough time to eat? Will they eat what I pack? What lunchbox should we use?
If school lunch feels overwhelming, here are a few tips to help:
- Keep it easy to eat. School lunch periods are short, so pack foods your child can eat efficiently. Yogurt, applesauce and similar foods are helpful options when time is limited.
- Save food exploration for home. If your child is hesitant to try new foods (as many kids are), introduce new foods at home and pack familiar foods for school. For hot lunch, review the menu ahead of time so your child knows what to expect.
- Practice at home. Pack a school lunch and eat it together. Practice opening containers, eating independently and finishing a reasonable amount within the time available at school.
- Try the thermos test. Pack the food in the morning and try it at lunchtime. This tests that it stays warm and that your child likes the texture, since some foods change when stored in a thermos.
Most importantly, the best school lunch is one your child will eat. Packing familiar foods helps ensure they have something they’re comfortable eating during the school day, and then you can gradually build variety over time.
If you have questions about your child’s eating, talk with your pediatrician. For ongoing feeding challenges, the MMI Pediatric Feeding Disorders Program is here to help.