Hallie has been struggling to eat her sandwiches during lunch while she’s at school. I’m not sure why I even asked, but one day I asked if she ate everything in her lunch. She looked at me sheepishly and reluctantly told me that she ate everything but her sandwich. I thought maybe this was a one time deal. The next day I made her a half sandwich. I asked again. And again And the next five days after that. I took out her treat. I took out her Go-Gurt. She still never eats her sandwich! The first time it didn’t bother me too much, but now knowing that I send her with a sandwich (because I have to send her with something so her teacher doesn’t think I’m neglecting the poor child!) that she throws away every day and then comes home complaining how starving she is.
So I switched up the PB sandwich and let her pick. Turkey and Cheese. She still didn’t eat it. Yet, she comes home STARVING (imagine this in a whiny girl voice) every single day. This shouldn’t bother me nearly as much as it does! She no longer gets any snacks after school if she doesn’t eat her lunch…
What am I doing wrong here?
Clearly sandwiches are not her thing…dang it. What else do you put in a lunch that doesn’t have to be heated up or refrigerated?? Please share!
What does she eat when there isn't school?
nuts, fruit, veggies, cheese
How about instead of a sandwich with bread do a turkey wrap?
Usually we eat leftovers- which she begs to take to school – but without a way to heat it, it makes a difficult. A wrap isn't a bad idea though- use the same fillings as a sandwich but in a tortilla. I'll have to try that! Thanks
what about lunch meat, cheese and crackers? Like a homemade lunchable? Brody goes through phases where he doesn't like bread of any kind (weird kid I know!) and then other times it's all he wants
My mom just mentioned cheese and crackers which surprisingly never crossed my mind. I guess I always view that as a snack not a meal, but she might just love it. Hallie is apparently in a stage that she doesn't like sandwich bread. However, the same bread with cinnamon and sugar and it she has no problems with it!
If she likes dill pickles try cheese pickles and crackers. It's Brody's request nearly everyday!
I know this probably doesn't win any nutrition awards, but the only sandwiches my kids will eat are Nutella sandwiches. They are on whole grain bread though… Another thing we have had success with are muffins. I have a recipe for some that have raisins, carrots, and whole wheat that the kids like. Zucchini bread and banana bread also make great muffins. You can find healthy ones without too much sugar. You can freeze them and just pull one out in the morning. Good luck! It's hard making school lunches without sandwich options!
My mom used to pack us peanut butter on saltines sometimes. It always seemed like more of a treat than a pb&j sandwich.
Does she like bagels? I also think I might have pinned a site with lots of healthy lunch ideas for kids. You could check that too.
She does like bagels – who doesn't?? I checked out your pin board, I've got plenty of new things I need to try now. Don't you just love pinterest and all the fantastic ideas!?
Micah loves to take crackers and a wedge of cow cheese (what is the real name–laughing cow). Lily sometimes takes chips and salsa (not the same as a sandmwich, I know), and I also bought thermoses and they'll take ramen sometimes. Mostly I just remind them that I had PB and honey EVERY day of my life, along with an apple and no drink or treat or snack, and look how I turned out! 🙂
We've sent crackers and cheese this week which has gone over much better than the sandwich!
I am liking everyone else's suggestions – but laughing at Hallie because I used to the same thing when I was her age!
Of course you were just like that when you were a kid!
Will she eat pasta noodles as in a salad? Leave out the mayonnaise. But cold rotini noodles and some grape tomatoes added?
I never thought of a cold pasta salad- that's a great idea!
i remember as a kid just eating whatever was in my lunch . .i didn't even KNOW i had a CHOICE not too 🙂 rose is picky so i feel your pain. what about a cheese crisp? (or cheese and tortilla if you don't know that lingo) . .make it the night before and stick it in the fridge . . i've done this numerous time for plane rides. or even cheese and eggs?? another make ahead and refrigerate – by the time lunch comes around it should be room temp?? or have your tried homemade rolls with turkey & cheese?? i love the pasta idea and muffins – lots of healthy yummy recipes. good luck!!
My mom got me a mini thermos that I could take pasta or soup sometimes to school, and yes it would stay hot all day. I hated sandwiches also and begged for lunchables, which now make me want to puke! Someone mentioned wraps, you could try pita bread too?
There are several that have suggested a thermos- It's on my shopping list for Target!
Mike loves soups in his thermos. I also bought a little tupperware that looks just like a lunchable one.. and we make homemade lunchables. 🙂 Also, sometimes at the beginning of the week we sit down together and talk about what he'd like each day.. monday, sandwich, tuesday-soup. So what he gets is what he picked 🙂 and then he can't complain, because he chose it! Good luck! P.S. I'm LOVING your new house! Can't wait to see more pics!
Where did you find your tupperware that looks like a lunchable – that would work out great instead of wasting three little baggies everyday!
BTW – Congrats on staying in Utah- I'm sure your families are excited!
First-let me excuse myself for totally popping in here to give advice when you don't know me from Adam (or Eve for that matter). We used to live in 30th ward, my husband played basketball with Steve back when he really trashed his ankle the first time you lived in the ward–not that that matters, just makes me feel like not a complete stalker.
Anyhow–I popped over from Jenny's blog and have been reading. Love your posts! This one made me think of another blog I get great lunch ideas from http://www.bentolunch.net/ her kids don't like typical lunches so she does bento style lunches. They are so much fun, I don't do them all the time, but I get good ideas from her. You might look into bento style lunches for her, they have more variety and it sounds like they might be more your little girl's style.
Of course I remember you- You moved to Utah just weeks after we moved into the ward again! I checked out that website and they have some great ideas! Thanks for sharing.
It's hard because we are barely entering into the world of school lunches and yet I've already created much disappointment! It may take years and a couple of kids to get this lunch thing down!