This shop about how to get your kids to pack their own school lunch has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BTSwithMotts #CollectiveBias

We will be headed back to school in no time and thought that I needed to start getting organized for the dreaded lunch packing in our house. Having three kids means 15 lunches a week. A few years back we started the habit of mom making the “main dish” and the kids complimenting them with fruit drinks and other healthier options. While we always start the school year out strong, the kids start slacking after about a month. I have decided that from now on, NO MORE KIDS helping, mom is getting organized and will hopefully not cave when it’s 10 minutes before they have to leave in that time when you barely have your shoes on and all you have packed is the sandwich I made! I sure talk a big game)

This year I will have a school lunch box checklist hanging in our pantry, bagged snacks, neatly displayed, so the kids have no excuses. With some gentle reminders the night before, I am hopeful our new system will cause me a few less grey hairs this school year.

To get our lunch and snack drawer equipped with food for the school year, I headed to our Dollar General store where they have great prices on Mott’s products. Be sure to look for a Back to School Display at your store. Ours did not have it up yet but still had great prices on Mott’s products.

 

We especially love Mott’s applesauce cups during the late fall and winter months when a variety of fresh fruit is hard to come by. Plus,what kid does not love applesauce? Heck they have been eating it since they were babies, at least mine have. Don’t tell, but  I can often be found sneaking an applesauce cup for a midday snack myself.

For our School Lunch Box Checklist I divided their lunch making into 6 easy steps:

1. Protein and starch: Which I usually make but they can make requests the night before

2. Fruit— Either fresh or a Mott’s Apple Sauce  cups

3. Veggies

4. Snacks

5. Dessert— l am going to try to limit this option to 2 days a week

6. Drink  

My kids are old enough to contribute in this area and having a reminder in front of them should make this less of a chore for all of us! Just make sure that you take inventory of your drawer and fridge every week. On Sunday make the serving size baggies of different food items so they are readily accessible.

Be sure to grab one of our Lunch Box Check List Free Printables.  

How do you get your kids to help pack school lunches?