You're Teaching Your Kids to Make Their Own Lunch

When kids cook for themselves, they develop a sense of independence and curiosity about their meal choices. Here's how to get started safely.

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Teaching kids to make their own lunch is an important step towards fostering independence and healthy eating habits. It is also a valuable time investment, as involving children in meal preparation can equip them with essential life skills, promote responsibility, and encourage a positive relationship with food. Like all other aspects of parenting, parents should not expect everything to go perfectly the first go-round. Kids will gradually improve and add their own flair, creating independence over time.When children know how to cook, they don't have to rely on fast food or packaged meals. They also understand the nutritional value of what they’re eating, which helps them make informed choices. If you’re new to teaching your kids how to make their lunches, here are some tools to get started with simple meals. What Kids Need to Start Making Lunch ThemselvesHaving the right tools and materials on hand is essential to set your kids up to be successful in making their lunch. First, kid-safe kitchen tools are crucial. For example, kid-safe knives are designed to cut food but not little fingers, making them perfect for teaching basic chopping skills. Colorful, non-slip cutting boards are also helpful, as they provide a stable cutting surface and can make the activity more visually appealing to children.Next, stock up on easy-to-use utensils. Child-friendly spatulas, tongs, and measuring cups can make tasks like spreading, flipping, and measuring more manageable for young hands. And don’t forget to have a variety of containers and lunchboxes, particularly multiple-compartment Bento boxes, on hand to store every meal. Dr. Sotiria Everett, EdD, RD, CDN, CSSD, and clinical assistant professor at Stony Brook Medicine says, "Using different types of Bento boxes may help encourage kids to fill each section with a different food. Talk to kids about the importance of eating different foods/food groups in order to get a variety of nutrients that will help them grow and stay healthy.""For example, if there are 4 sections in the box, teach kids about using one section for a main (like a sandwich), another box for a fruit, another for a vegetable, and the last one for a treat," she says. "Fruits and vegetables that would work well include baby carrots, mini cucumbers, grapes, or tangerines."Another important aspect is having a range of healthy ingredients readily available. Stock up on whole-grain bread, lean proteins like turkey and chicken, various fruits and vegetables, and healthy snacks. Additionally, accessible storage is vital. Place commonly used ingredients and tools within easy reach of your child, either in low cupboards or designated spots in the fridge, to encourage independence and streamline the lunch-making process.If you want them to practice age-appropriate recipes when you’re not hovering nearby, consider incorporating educational materials. Simple recipe cards with pictures or step-by-step guides can help children follow along and visualize the final product.What Are the Easiest Meals for Kids to Pack?Sandwiches, salads, and wraps are great options for beginners too young to use the stove or oven. These no-cook meals are easy to assemble and offer plenty of customization options. For instance, a turkey and cheese sandwich can be made more nutritious by adding slices of avocado or a handful of baby spinach. They can fill wraps with hummus, grilled chicken, and colorful veggies. Also, salads can include a variety of greens, chopped vegetables, and proteins, like beans, meat, or boiled eggs. Tips and Tricks for Meal Prep and Packed LunchesDr. Everett says, "Frequent exposure to the meal prep process can help—from reading recipes to deciding on what to cook, to food shopping, and cooking. Make it fun for kids, where they get to choose what the meal will be once in a while, or have a ‘Top Chef’ contest for kids to create their own simple meals. Consider starting a small garden where kids can help out with growing and harvesting vegetables. This will help them understand where some foods come from and may make them more interested in eating what they grow."Additionally, create a supportive environment. When children feel empowered and praised for their efforts, they are likelier to enjoy the process and take ownership of their meals. Simplify the meal options and start with easy recipes to make the learning curve less daunting. Choose recipes that involve minimal steps and familiar ingredients to build confidence gradually. A well-organized kitchen setup with accessible tools at their eye level can also streamline the cooking and learning process.What Should Parents Expect To Go Wrong—at Least Initially?Wendi Bergin, founder of Joyfully Prepared and host of the Joyfully Prepared podcast says mess is to be expected."Start with something simple, like making a sandwich. Introduce them to the tools and ingredients, explaining each one's purpose. Allow your child to choose their favorite fillings and, using safe utensils, let them assemble the sandwich themselves," she says. "Remember, it's going to be messy, and that's okay. As they progress to more complex meals, involve them in decisions like choosing the type of cheese for mac and cheese or letting them measure and pour ingredients.""Most importantly, keep the atmosphere playful and fun. This is a time for learning and bonding, so always encourage their efforts and never shame them as they develop these important skills."Over time, as kids gain more experience and confidence, you should see noticeable improvements. They will likely become more organized and efficient in meal preparation, reducing the mess and minimizing forgotten steps. As they become familiar with different ingredients and recipes, they may also become more open to trying new foods and experimenting with flavors.View mistakes as learning opportunities. Celebrate progress, no matter how small. The ultimate goal is to develop a sense of pride and accomplishment in their ability to prepare their meals, fostering a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating and independence. For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.

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You're Teaching Your Kids to Make Their Own Lunch—Here's How

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