I’m not a parent, but I’ve spent a good deal of time with kids around a lunch table. And perhaps more importantly, I remember very well what school lunch was like. There's so much to think about---who to sit by, what to trade and what games to play at recess-- which leaves very little time left to think about things like vitamins and minerals. So while it’s great to give your little ones options at lunchtime, it helps to do some of the thinking ahead of time so they can you rest assured knowing they’ll have the nutrients they need for a happier, healthier school day.

Here are a few tips to keep your little lunchers coming back for more of the good stuff:  

Play Favorites: Show your little scholar you love them by paying attention to what they love to eat, and including it in their lunchbox. And finding one favorite may encourage them to explore the rest of your lunch lineup!

Count Up: Ask your child to make a list of 15 foods they will eat at lunch. Then work together to narrow it down to 10 foods you both feel are good, healthy choices. That gives you lots of variety for the week, and room to throw in your own surprises as well.

Get In Shape: Cut sandwiches into artful shapes with cookie cutters, and try packing good-for-you goodies like veggies in shapes and sizes that are fun to eat.  

Be Willing to Budge: If both parent and child have one no-budge lunchtime policy, (you insist on milk, they insist on dessert) find ways to fit both, healthfully, into the equation. Otherwise, consider being reasonable which may help send the message that you’d rather have your child choose good food than force it upon them.

Safety First: Lunchtime may not be the best time to introduce too many new foods. Pack “safe” foods that your child trusts, and try new foods on them at home, where their friends aren’t there to make judgments and influence their interest.

 Get Colorful: Encourage your child to make artwork out of their lunchbox by packing a lunch full of natural, vibrant colors--colors translate to vitamins and minerals in their bodies so encourage them to eat the rainbow every day!

Trade Up: If you know your child is trading goodies at the table, get together with other parents and agree to pack healthy and tradable items. It may seem awkward at first, but they may thank you for it.

Speak Up: We’re social eaters, and so are our kids, so talk openly with other kids and their parents about good food. Eating healthy as a group is much more effective, long lasting and rewarding than eating healthy alone.