Back to school: Packing fun lunches

Here are some ways to make lunches more enjoyable for you to pack and more fun for kids to eat:

Even your child's favorite sandwich can get boring after she has had it for a few days in a row. Break out the cookie cutters and cut the sandwich into shapes, such as animals, hearts or numbers.

You can add some fun into your child's lunch by changing something as simple as the bread. The next time you make a sandwich, try substituting a bagel, hot dog or hamburger bun, an English muffin, or even a tortilla instead of sliced bread.

A terrific way to ensure your child eats more fruits and vegetables is to present them skewered or paired with a dip. Bite-sized pieces of fruit can be partnered with a yogurt dip or peanut butter. Vegetable spears go great with ranch dressing or hummus.

If your child loved dinner last night, let him enjoy it again. Invest in a small thermos and some reusable food trays with lids. Then mix up the lunchtime routine using kid-sized portions of last night’s dinner for a meal he is sure to enjoy.

Even if you’re trying to keep things healthful, never forget dessert! Just be sure you offer something with nutritional value. For instance, pudding cups can be both fun and wholesome. With more than 20 flavors, as much calcium as an 8-ounce glass of milk, and between 60-120 calories per serving, Snack Pack pudding cups are something both parents and kids can agree on for school lunches.

Take a couple of minutes to write a quick note or add a little prize, such as stickers or a small, school-safe toy. Even a knock-knock joke, a game or maze or a hint about an upcoming surprise could brighten your child’s day and make unpacking the lunch bag more fun.