Depending on where you are stationed, school is around the corner or has even already started. At our duty station, school will start late in August and I have been gathering my ideas for my kids’ school lunches. I like to switch things up rather than boring them with the same sandwich day after day. I have to make sure that it is something healthy, and something they can finish during their short lunchtime.

To help mornings go smoothly, I prep a week’s worth of lunches on Sunday. Then, all I have to do in the mornings is put it all together. My kids enjoy all sorts of different food. They really are not picky eaters, which makes it easy for me to prep. The only challenge I have is that my son is pescatarian, but that is something I have gotten used to. I was a vegetarian many years ago, so after a few months of practice, I find it easy to plan meals for him.

The sky is the limit with the lunch menu. My kids always play a part in prepping food. One of my goals as a parent is to make sure our kids will be able to stand on their own two feet when they leave the house. One of the most important things they need to know is how to find their way around a kitchen. My daughter once came up to me in the kitchen and said, “Mommy, can I help with this meal? I really want to know how to make your shrimp and rice so when I go to college I can make it.” That was a proud moment for me!

My menu is already set for the first week of school. Here’s what is in store for the Marasco Family:

Monday

Egg Salad Wrap or Sandwich

via Total Body Results

 We love this on German dark wheat bread!

Tuesday

Tortellini Pasta Salad

via Two Peas and their Pod

Wednesday

Avocado and Tomato Sandwich/Wrap with Chive Spread

via Keep It Skinny

This could be made on bread or in a wrap. My kids prefer a wrap because it is easier to eat. I spread the chive mix on a spinach wrap, add the avocado salad, alfalfa sprouts or some salad mix, top with pepper jack cheese and wrap it up!

Thursday

tuna sandwich

via The Healthy Maven

Friday

Stuffed Pita

via Whole Foods Market

All lunches include the main course, cut veggies with a dip such as hummus, fruit, and water. To make lunches a bit more special I add a note in the lunch box. My kids love it! It’s just a reminder that I am thinking of them and reminding them that their brain won’t grow unless it is challenged. I know, not all kids read right? When my kids were in kindergarten I would draw a smiley face and write I love you.

Do you pack school lunches for your children? What are your favorite healthy items to include?