How to Avoid Lunchbox Shaming: A Guide for Parents of School-aged Children

Key Highlights :

1. There is pressure on families to create the perfect lunchbox, and this pressure is fuelled by social media.

2. One Christchurch mum said her child was shamed for bringing a muffin to school.

3. In recent years, parents of children in a UK primary school slammed the school’s decision to go “meat-free”.

4. More commonly foods such as cakes, chips, and soft drinks are banned from school lunches.

     The debate over what is and isn’t acceptable in kids’ lunchboxes has been raging for years, and the latest victim of so-called “lunchbox shaming” is the humble Vegemite sandwich. According to news.com.au, one Sydney daycare has banned Vegemite sandwiches from their lunchboxes in order to reduce carbohydrate intake in line with NSW Health’s Munch & Move program.

     Although the NSW Health Minister has confirmed he isn’t planning to ban Vegemite, the pressure on parents to create the perfect lunchbox is still on the rise, fuelled by social media and the expectations of teachers and other school staff. In Christchurch, one mum told RNZ her child was shamed for bringing a muffin to school, while in the UK, parents of children in a primary school slammed the school’s decision to go “meat-free”.

     So how can parents avoid lunchbox shaming and make sure their kids’ lunchboxes are both healthy and enjoyable? Here are some tips:

     1. Stick to the Basics

     When it comes to lunchboxes, it’s best to stick to the basics. Choose foods that are nutritious, filling and easy to prepare. Think sandwiches, wraps, salads, fruit, vegetables, nuts, yoghurt, cheese and crackers.

     2. Make it Fun

     It can be tempting to pack the same lunchbox every day, but variety is key. Get creative by making fun shapes with sandwiches, using cookie cutters to cut out fruit and vegetables, and adding dips and spreads to make lunchtime more exciting.

     3. Get the Kids Involved

     Involving your kids in the lunchbox-packing process is a great way to make sure they’re eating a balanced diet. Ask them to help choose healthy foods and to come up with their own lunchbox ideas.

     4. Plan Ahead

     Planning ahead is key to avoiding lunchbox shaming. Take some time each week to plan and prepare your kids’ lunchboxes so that they’re ready to go in the morning. This will also help you to save time and money.

     5. Be Flexible

     It’s important to be flexible when it comes to lunchboxes. If your child doesn’t like something, don’t force them to eat it. Instead, try to find a healthy alternative that they’ll enjoy.

     Lunchbox shaming is a real issue, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it can be avoided. By following these tips, you can make sure your kids’ lunchboxes are both healthy and enjoyable.

Continue Reading at Source : nzherald