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If you have kids, you have a bunch of responsibilities that you’ll carry out on a day to day basis.

You’ll need to get them ready in the mornings, do the school run, get them to their clubs and other activities and so much more. One key element of preparing your kid for theirt day at school, however, is their packed lunch. This is something that many parents put the bare minimum effort into. This is understandable. Many of us have so many things to do in the morning that we find ourselves barely having the time to butter a couple of pieces of bread and put some sandwich filler in the middle. But it is absolutely essential that you make sure your kid’s packed lunch is balanced, healthy and provides them with all the fuel they need to get them through their school day. By preparing your kids’ lunches the night before, you can help yourself to create something a lot better. Here are some ideas to help you along the way!

The Main Event

The main element of most kids’ packed lunches tends to be a sandwich. This is the largest part of the meal and can help to fill them up. But remember that a sandwich isn’t the only option you have here. You can switch things up each day to give your little one more variety. Options could include cold pastas, salads with chicken or fish to bulk them up, sushi, pittas, wraps and so much more. Providing a different main each day can help to encourage your kids to look forward to their lunches rather than finding the same old thing every time they open their lunch. Make sure that this element of their lunchbox contains all the carbohydrates and protein they need. You could also add vegetables or salad.

Snacks

Of course, it’s good include some sort of pack lunch snacks alongside the main element of their meal. This should be something healthy wherever possible. Consider options like carroy slices with hummus for your little ones to dip in, or apple slices with peanut butter. You could consider vegetable crisps that offer crunch with less saturated fats and other nasties. Chopped fruit stored in tupperware can contribute to your little one’s five a day. Of course, it’s fine to have something like a small chocolate bar, cake or other sweet treat every so often.

Drinks

You should add some sort of drink to your child’s lunchbox too. All too many parents forget this, but hydrating is key. A bottle of water is an essential, but you could also consider adding healthy juice drinks too. Often, the best way to store these is in a kid’s water bottle, carton, pouch or anything else.

Hopefully, some of the information above should help you to pack the perfect lunchbox for your child to take out and about with them!

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