Preparing for Back to School Lunches

Posted by traci

My children attend a small private Christian school.  It’s an awesome school, but they do not provide hot lunch service, so my children take their lunches every day.  Milk is provided, but no way to heat lunches - so a little creativity is in order to offer the children healthy, balanced meals, without resorting to sandwiches every single day.

Here’s a few items that I believe are must-haves for school lunches on the go (by the way, these tips work well also for those of you who homeschool and are on the go to a field trip, music lesson or whatever):

• Lunch bags:  There are many lunch bag options from the literal brown paper lunch (which now also comes in white! ), to reusable lunch bags in a variety of choices.  We have opted for an insulated bag that’s reusable.  I have the children buy their milk at school, even though a thermos thingy came with their lunch bag.  It’s only a quarter for them to buy milk - so I opted for that. 
• Gladware:  Now repeat after me:  Gladware is our friend!  I love Gladware!  It’s inexpensive and reusable.  So if the children should happen to forget and throw away the Gladware, there’s no need to take it out of their inheritance.  ;)  Seriously, it’s worth getting some Gladware.  I use Gladware to send salads, canned fruit, or just about anything.  I do use resealable sandwich bags for sandwiches, but Gladware would work for this too.
• Cold Pack:  You will also need something to keep cold food cold and other food from spoiling.  I buy cold packs you stick in the freezer, then pop in the lunch bag and you’re good to go.
• Utensils:  plastic flatware is my preferred choice.  I found some in cute colors and animal shapes and send those.  I’ve lost one too many forks and spoons from my regular set to consider that an option for us.  Another option is to buy an inexpensive flatware set at The Dollar Store or Dollar General or something.

What are the kids eating? 

Sandwiches are an obvious choice.  Anything from the traditional peanut butter and jelly to lunchmeat sandwiches works well.  My husband tells me stories of having to eat peanut butter and jelly every single day his entire 9 years in private school as a child.  So I took that as a hint that variety in lunch choices is in order. 

Some things I give my children for lunches are:

• Sandwiches of all types.  I always keep a cold pack in their lunch bag, so there is no spoiling
• Leftovers.  I will place them in a Gladware container, heat them up before I put them in the lunch bag with the cold pack.  Yes, the cold pack does cool it down, but it’s usually about room temp when lunch time arrives and perfect for my kiddos to eat, without any spoiling happening.
• Fruit.  My children love fruit.  I’ll send whole apples, bananas, or canned fruit in Gladware.  I have bought those individual cups of fruit from Aldi’s, a slightly more expensive option, but a convenient one.
• Veggies.  My kiddos LOVE those baby carrots.  I’ll send those quite often.  Broccoli flowerettes, cauliflower and salad are also good choices.
• Napkin and flatware.  Don’t forget these important tools.
• Drink.  If your school doesn’t offer milk, then send some in a thermos.  Or send a juice box, or bottle of water.
• A Note from Mom:  this is a special thing I love to do for my children.  I’ll leave a note just for them.  I often put a scripture on it.  Something to let them know I’m thinking of them.

What you will not find in my children’s lunchbox:  dessert.  It’s just not needed.  They don’t need the extra sugar.  If you want to give your child a sugary treat, save it for an after school snack.  Or opt for popcorn or graham crackers.

So there you have it - the very basic and simple solutions for school lunches.

Daddy Leads the Way

Posted by traci

With Father’s Day rapidly approaching, I felt it appropriate to write a reminder as to who should lead in your home. I know us moms usually handle the day-to-day tasks involved in parenting children. We cook, clean, change diapers, kiss the boo-boos and train the children in many areas (some even educate via homeschooling). These duties can often make us think we’re in charge; and since it seems our fleshly bent is to rule over our husbands [Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.” Genesis 3:16], it should be no surprise when we try and take the lead over the whole house.

Of course, we know this is wrong. God is the topmost head of our homes (or He should be!) and then our husbands. Our taking care of children, cleaning house, etc…. are the responsibilities of being a wife and mother (see Proverbs 31, and the rest of Proverbs for verses on parenting!) and the exact duties we do may vary, depending on what our husbands ask of us. I know that in my home, my husband pays all the bills and handles the finances. That’s his preference, and I honor that. I know in many homes, this is something that the wife does. There’s no right or wrong, it’s whatever you and your husband decide should be done in your home, with the final decision coming from the husband. This is letting Daddy lead the way things will go in your home!

Aside from the fact that daddy’s should lead the home; there are other blessings in stepping back and letting your man truly lead.

• Your children will be seeing an example of God’s design for marriage: wife honoring the husband and father leading his family.
• The father will in-turn be shown the respect that he deserves, and scripture says is due him, from his wife. (see Ephesians 5:28-33)
• When the proper “chain of command” is in place, as God designed it, the family will be happier and things flow more smoothly; thus Daddy will also then be able to enjoy his family!