Figuring out what to pack for school lunches is a common challenge parents face, especially those with picky eaters. Once your child enters a preschool program and is no longer eating all their meals at home, you’ll want to make sure you’re sending food that will keep them fueled throughout the day. This means putting together well-balanced, nutritious options that they’ll actually want to eat. Here are some kid-friendly ideas to consider.
What to Pack Your Picky Preschooler for Lunch
1. Turkey Pinwheels
How food is presented will often make a difference in whether a fussy eater will try it or not. Changing the standard turkey sandwich into a pinwheel can offer a good alternative. This is simply done by spreading cream cheese on one side of a tortilla and layering on turkey slices, cheese, and any other ingredients your child prefers.
2. Mini Pancakes
Having breakfast for dinner is a great way to switch things up every now and then, and you can do the same for lunch. Since kids are frequently drawn to bite-sized foods, mini pancakes are the perfect choice for your child to take their preschool program. You can add peanut butter for dipping, and pair them with a hard-boiled egg or sausages.
3. DIY Lunchables
Lunchables are a favorite among kids of all ages. However, giving your child the ingredients to build their own lunchable can be healthier and more cost-effective than the pre-made versions. This may consist of different types of lunch meat, cheese, and crackers, or you could allow them to assemble a pizza with crackers or cut out bread, sauce, cheese, and toppings they like.
4. Mini Quiche
Eggs and cheese go down effortlessly for most kids, and they’re both packed with protein. Thus, mini quiches can be another good lunch option that will hold up well at room temperature. Not only are these easily customizable to include any ingredients your child likes, but it’s also possible to hide vegetables inside as an extra source of nutrients.
Give your child the opportunity to build a strong educational and social foundation by enrolling them in Mendon Child Care Center. Located in Mendon, NY, this early childhood learning center is dedicated to helping kids achieve the developmental skills they need for future success. They offer quality preschool programs and daycare services in a safe, fun, and positive environment. Call (585) 624-2337 to schedule a visit, or learn more about their facility online.