Making Lunches Sucks — Winners of January 1-15 Giveaway

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Winning Comment is: Glittersmama – wins a $100 www.thebabymarketplace.com gift card

Winning Link is: Sophistishe – wins a $100 www.thebabymarketplace.com gift card

Yeah!

Winners email me –> kim (at) mommyknows (dot) com


A new contest will start tomorrow or Saturday. It’s a good one so don’t miss out!


I find making school lunches difficult! One of my pet peeves is making sandwiches (I know it’s weird, but true), I don’t like making salads either, but that’s another post (sounds boring so maybe not).

School Lunch

This was the lunch Sam took to school with him today. Tuna sandwich on whole wheat (they both love tuna), Juice (with veggie), frozen Yogurt tube (probably has a bunch of sugar added, don’t tell me I am happy not knowing for sure), cheese, cucumber & carrots, granola bar (kind with the health check).

Sam is a healthier eater than Lizzy, and while he would probably rather have chips and pop, he’ll happily eat all of the items above.

Lizzy well let’s just say, “she and sugar have a special bond”. Her lunch is also fairly decent (because I insist) but she is fussier so there is more sandwich, more carrots and NO cheese or yogurt.

Sunday we went shopping for the weeks lunches, I don’t like to leave my camera out in the car, so I had Lizzy carry it around (seriously I don’t generally grocery shop with my camera).

Can I take pictures mom?

Sure!

What should I take them of?

Just take pictures of stuff you like.

Breakfast? NOT!

OOOH, Mommy can we get Lucky Charms?

NO!

An Old Favorite

Can we get Wagon Wheels for our lunches!

NO! Why? Because, they’ll last about 1 day and they’ll be gone. Put them back!

Mmmm ...

How about some chips mom?

NO!

Chips

What about these chips you like?

Mmmm … no, well OK get one two bags for your dad.

Liquid Sugar

Can I get some pop!

NO … NO … NO …

Please Mummy ...

Please mommy, I’ll buy you these flowers!

NO!

Ooops!

How do I delete pictures I don’t want?

It figures!

Candy?

Can I have a treat for being good?

Sure, pick out a pack of sugarless gum (hee hee hee … you should have seen the look she gave me!)

Hmmm ...

You should get this mommy!

Watch it DUDE, you’re pushing your luck … give me my camera!


Do you have trouble getting your kids to ‘want’ healthy foods? If you have any tips or ideas I’ll take them! Comment here or write about them on your blog and let me know!

Better start working on that new contest!

MK xo


30 Comments

jw4mkc · January 17, 2008 at 9:40 pm

That is one of your funniest posts yet! Congrats to your winners!!

Michelle · January 17, 2008 at 9:57 pm

When asked what her favorite foods were my 5 year old responded asparagus and broccoli. Definitely not normal!! I have no idea what made both of of our kids like a wide variety of food.

I am dreading next year when I have to think about lunches. I hate making my own lunch let alone someone else’s. Thinking I will get her to pick and pack most of it. Who knows???

Jenny M · January 17, 2008 at 10:08 pm

thats hilarious! I think my two year old would have the pasta and chocolate aisle covered(a definite chip off the block!)

Happy Geek · January 17, 2008 at 10:13 pm

My kids are super-healthy eaters, less picky than their dad or I. It probably won’t last forever, so I am enjoying it while I can.

glittersmama · January 17, 2008 at 10:24 pm

woohoo!!!

glittersmama · January 17, 2008 at 10:26 pm

The coolest thing I’ve seen recently is how to sneak veggies into your kids’ food. There are a couple of new cookbooks about how to use the pureed vegetables in foods that your kids like.

I am not a fan of making sandwiches or salads either. It seems to me too detailed and time consuming for the finished product. Even if it’s a really good sandwich. I’m not very patient. :)

Sheena · January 18, 2008 at 12:03 am

Lol, you should get this mom! I can see why making lunch is a chore for you with having to make them differently for each kid. I’d love to make a lunch, I can’t wait to. I’m kinda taking a liking to those laptop lunchboxes and bento sets. If only I had somewhere to eat lunch at :-(. I W-O-N! You are the greatest!!!

TheAngelForever · January 18, 2008 at 6:13 am

My son used to be the strange child that would order a broccoli and mushroom pizza when we went out. Not anymore! He has suddenly become a picky eater (not uncommon at 4 years old) and wants snacks all of the time. Prior to this the only item he would not touch was tuna fish. Now he is very stubborn about trying things. Hubby and I have started putting purees into our regular cooking (we have those two books that are out about it). The little guy knows special ingredients are in it and we still add other veggies to the mix on our plates. The odd part, my sons new favorite snack – celery! I just blogged about that recently. I had to since I know that will become and “Ewwwww!” item before I know it.

Good luck with your kids.

Amanda · January 18, 2008 at 7:00 am

I am not in this stage yet – my daughter is only 7 months old, but one idea that a friend of mine does who was in the same predicament is…

When she goes out grocery shopping for her kids lunches she seperates them into bins (both in the pantry and in the refridgerator). So there is one bin for veggies (carrots, peppers, broccoli cuts, etc) and one for fruits (strawberries, applesauce, etc). One with snack/dessert items. Then she has a bin that has a paper for each main food she has available “pb&j”, “tuna”, “cup of chicken noodle soup”, etc. One with fruit juice boxes, etc. Her kids are 7 & 9 so she has them pick the items out of the bins themselves and each one has a count. Like they have to have 1 out of the main, 2 out of vegetable, 1 of fruit, and only 1 dessert. Sounds like a lot of work but she says it has made her life a lot more simple *shrug*

Kait · January 18, 2008 at 7:03 am

My son is sort of the snack police in our house. I eat cookies and milk every morning for breakfast (I have since I was in high school) and Gavin will say. No, Mom- those aren’t good for your body! I knew they were sticking to my hips but you don’t have to point it out!

Laura · January 18, 2008 at 7:40 am

My son is quite picky about what he eats, but LOVES raw veggies… go figure. I try not to sweat it when he turns up his nose at a nice hot dinner that I slaved over. I just have a lot of baby carrots on hand!

My other two are better eaters, though they will decide to be picky about a certain food occasionally. I made homemade pork n beans last week (a Rachael Ray recipe – it was delicious!) and NOT ONE KID ate any. I considered forcefeeding, but realized that meant more for me, :P.

I haven’t had to make school lunches yet… my first’ll be this September. The school county here has this weird ‘double lunch period’. The kids actually eat TWO lunches while they are at school… so I’m not sure what that’ll mean in terms of more work for me? Oh well, at least I’ll have ONE KID OUT OF THE HOUSE! Yippee!!

Greg · January 18, 2008 at 7:42 am

Sign me up for one of those lunches! Your kids are lucky! Back when I was a kid, all I got was a sandwich slopped with loads of mayo and one slice of ham, and a bag of nasty chips. Needless to say, I traded my lunch everyday!

By the way, I love the name of your blog! It reminds of how Will from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air always said “Mama knows!”

Jaime Stephens · January 18, 2008 at 8:06 am

Our kiddos aren’t fussy eaters, thank goodness. I have always been sure to give them a huge variety of healthy food at each meal. My 3 yo’s favorite veggie is Broccoli and my 19 month old can’t get enough Brussel Sprouts. I do find though that the little switches make a big difference. We now buy the Premium Plus Whole Wheat crackers, the kids love them. The double fruit Smuckers jam has less calories. We made Banana Bread yesterday with Splenda Brown Sugar. Half the calories of regular brown sugar. All the little stuff add up. My girls are also accustomed to fruit for dessert. Sweet treats are just a treat.

lace · January 18, 2008 at 8:26 am

I can’t stand making my own lunch. I am glad I don’t have to make a lunch for anyone else.

Naomi · January 18, 2008 at 8:58 am

Roo (3 3/4) used to eat veggies like a pro but has been off of them for about a year now. Hopefully now that Jasper is starting solids, she will be more interested. She ate broccoli of her own volition the other day, even snatched it off my plate! Wonders never cease.

Rebecca · January 18, 2008 at 9:20 am

Loved your photo essay. :) No advice on the eating though. :(

jennifer · January 18, 2008 at 9:43 am

I have a problem making lunches too. I hate making sandwiches. I try to put anything in their lunches so I do not have to make a stinking sandwich.Too weird.
Cute post.

Kristian · January 18, 2008 at 10:29 am

If you want to babysit I’ll make your sandwiches and I’ll throw in salads. I love making both, so long as you clean up…

Kristian · January 18, 2008 at 10:30 am

So I just realised that I told you (last week) that I am a neurotic cleaner and now I like making sandwiches??? No, I am not Martha Stewart, apparently I just have OCD.

Heather · January 18, 2008 at 10:34 am

My son is almost 2 and has a great diet, but I started from the beginning. As I let things slide nutrition-wise, I noticed that he would resist the “good for him foods” and insist on the “less good for him foods.” For us, it comes down to tightening the reigns and not keeping junk food in the house…only giving him nutritious options.

Leann I Am · January 18, 2008 at 1:18 pm

I make my husband the same lunch everyday. He’s okay with it, but it’s so boring! Turkey and cheese on wheat with mayo. I’ve started trying to sneak a little mustard in there, but he’s not too crazy about that!

11YO eats school lunches most of the time. They’ve gotten way healthier and she looks forward to most of them!

Jamie · January 18, 2008 at 3:19 pm

HHAAHAHAAA

I love to see the world through their eyes!

Alexia · January 18, 2008 at 3:44 pm

LOL This is a great post! Although me and Lizzy have something in common, I’m a big fan of sugar myself!

And the only way of gotten my 20mo to eat his veggies is to let him dip them….really in anything…bbq sauce, ranch, ketchup…he’s not picky!

Susy-Q · January 18, 2008 at 6:33 pm

So far I am one lucky Mommy, then again, my son is only 17 months old. He eats anything I give him. He loves his veggies and LOVES all fruit. I am hoping it stays that way, but I’ve been told it won’t.

Char Jackson · January 18, 2008 at 8:19 pm

Too funny!! If your little one really took these pictures, either that is one awesome little photographer , or a great quality camera!! Wow!!

Shari · January 18, 2008 at 8:27 pm

You’re hilarious- I’m so happy I stumbled onto your blog! Love the photojournalism bit by the kids. Can’t wait till mine is old enough for those type of shenanigans. I agree with a previous poster about sneaking veggies into foods they like (Sneaky Chef and Deceptively Delicious are the two cookbooks on the market like that). My kid eats healthy, but that’s only because I’ve opted not to give her anything unhealthy yet. She’s only one and a half and I figure she has a lifetime to do the sweets/sugar thing. Poor kid got a no sugar apple sauce cupcake on her 1st birthday while everyone else feasted on frosting and cake. Poor bugger. She’ll forgive me one day :)

Cloth Diaper Diva · January 22, 2008 at 6:30 pm

I have no helpful suggestions (other than the old “blend & hide”)…I hide veggies for my kids but I also want them to eat them ON PURPOSE some day!! :( (commiserate, commiserate)

also, I gave you some props over at clothdiaperdiva.net

Cloth Diaper Diva’s last blog post..Washing Cloth diapers

Louise · June 20, 2008 at 8:00 pm

My 18 month old daughter started day care this summer and I just about panicked when they had “picnic day” where I had to pack a picnic lunch. What do you pack for a toddler who changes her mind from meal to meal?? I finally settled on a turkey-cheddar lunchable and a cup of sliced peaches. Not very interesting, though.

Louise’s last blog post..Summer Solstice Strawberries with Grilled Shrimp Salad

Pizza Sauce Recipe · June 25, 2008 at 8:48 am

Let me just say I just rolled on the floor just way funny. It seemed every time I would scroll to a new picture I would laugh harder.

Kudos!!

Relli

PS: We all have these issues with our kids I think this is why it is soi funny because we can all relate.

sharon · September 26, 2008 at 6:51 pm

I don’t have any kids yet, but is this what I have to look for? Makes me a little nervous!

I bet it’s still worth it though right?

Sharon

sharon’s last blog post..6 Great Relationship Advice Pointers

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