Lunch Ideas for Kids to Make at Home
Hey busy mamas! You’d probably like to have a few extra minutes in your day, right? And maybe you’d like your kids to learn some life skills? Start with lunch. I’ve got a list of 7 easy lunches your kids can make themselves.
No need to feel guilty about not making their lunch—your kids are learning valuable life skills. Grab my free printable cheat sheet to post on your fridge and teach your kids to make their own lunches.
Tortilla Pizza
No oven required. Place a flour tortilla on a microwave-safe plate and spread with a little pasta sauce (my daughter likes a thin layer of tomato paste). Add toppings as desired: pepperoni, ham, sausage, even chopped up deli meat, shredded cheese, sliced olives, bell pepper, green onion. Microwave for about 45 seconds.
Quesadilla
Microwave version: Place a tortilla on a microwave-safe plate. Add shredded cheese. If desired, add black beans (will need to know how to use a can opener), chicken (canned, leftover cooked, or rotisserie). Sprinkle with a little additional shredded cheese, place a second tortilla on top and microwave for about 1 minute.
Stovetop version: Place a saute pan on the stovetop burner and add a tortilla to the pan. Add shredded cheese. If desired, add black beans (will need to know how to use a can opener), chicken (canned, leftover cooked, or rotisserie). Sprinkle with a little additional shredded cheese and place a second tortilla on top. Turn the burner to medium heat and heat until cheese gets melty. Using a spatula, flip quesadilla over if desired.
As your kids gain confidence, they may want to experiment with non-traditional quesadilla flavor combinations, apple or pear slices with cheese, or spinach and mushroom!
Sandwich
Even young children can learn to make a PB&J sandwich. Whatever kind of sandwiches your child likes to eat: meat & cheese, tuna, cucumber and cream cheese—teach them to make that sandwich. A regular kitchen knife will cut a sandwich in halves or quarters.
If your kids are old enough to safely learn to use the stovetop, they can make grilled cheese sandwiches and experiment with adding meat, different varieties of cheese, or veggies.
Wrap
Kids can learn to make a wrap as an alternative to a bread sandwich. Spread a tortilla with cream cheese, ranch dressing, mayo, or whatever condiment they like. Add meat and cheese slices, tomato and lettuce, on one side of the tortilla and gently roll the tortilla up.
Snack Lunch
The easiest of lunches and probably the biggest hit with kids is a “snack lunch.” Choose a few options to mix and match and you’ve got lunch.
- cheese and crackers
- pretzels
- cheese stick
- yogurt and granola
- baby carrots, cucumber, snap peas, cherry tomatoes with hummus or ranch
- apple slices, grapes, banana, berries, orange
Salad
Convenient packaged salads are easy for kids to prepare themselves. My kids love Caesar salad with bacon bits. Try a few different flavors and types to find one your child likes. Add a piece of fruit and they’ve got lunch.
Leftovers
If your kids can use a microwave, they can heat up leftovers for lunch. Designate a shelf in the fridge for leftovers that the kids can use, or have your kids dish up a serving into a microwave-safe bowl or plate right after dinner, ready to reheat the next day. Make sure your kids know not to microwave anything metal or plastic, and use a microwave cover to prevent spatters.
Your Kids Can Make Lunch for Themselves
Your kids will gain independence and confidence from knowing they’re capable of making their own lunch. Give them the opportunity to learn and grow their skills. Start by having them watch and help you make lunch. Then begin passing the responsibility to them while you supervise. Once you’re comfortable that they can safely make their own lunch, allow them to work independently.
Visit the printables library to download a quick reference sheet of these 7 ideas for lunches kids can make themselves, post it on the fridge and start teaching your kids to make their own lunches today.
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