As parents, sometimes we look at our children and see them as they were many years ago. I have a friend that cries when she looks at pictures of her babies. She says she wishes her children would stay little forever. I confess that I do not feel this way. I loved them when they were little, and I hope that I can look on every day as a gift to watch with admiration as they grow into the people they were meant to be.
One of the hardest parts of parenthood is letting go and helping our young people grow into independence. We may not want them to try new things because it is messy or because it is just easier or faster to do it ourselves. Did you wince at that? My sister could barely boil water when she left home, and I wasn’t much better. Our parents did everything for us, but it didn’t help us when we were on our own. If children don’t try new things and never have a chance to mess up, learning from mistakes, they will not learn. At some point, they may become too afraid to try.
The antidote to this behavior is for us parents to gradually release control and allow them to learn by doing. Model the behavior you want them to learn and then let them try. Help them clean up the mess and try not to lecture. Validate that mistakes happen; clean it up together and ask what they might do differently next time. Importantly, celebrate success and ask them how they feel about what they learned and accomplished.
One step towards independence all students can practice at home is to pack their own lunch. Yes, even our youngest students can learn how to do this. Sit down with a pencil and piece of paper and talk with your child about what kinds of things you both can agree upon for the lunch box. Practice opening containers so your child is prepared to access all food items. If you are brave, your child can also help out in the grocery store!
You can put a checklist of items on the refrigerator for young children or separate items into bins where they can pick one or more items. This can be done for refrigerated items and pantry items alike. Lunches can usually be assembled or mostly completed the night before for an easier morning routine. Don’t forget a snack and reusable utensils.
As a rule, our elementary students are asked to place any wrappers or leftovers back in their lunchbox to take home so parents can see what is eaten (or not) during the day. We teach students respect for the environment, meaning reduce waste, reuse when possible, and recycle when the use is done. With this guided approach, it won’t be long before they will be doing this on their own although you will likely have to set a reminder in the evening for a while. Good luck and enjoy your newfound free time!
Below is a list of food items if you and your child need a head start on the list making:
Cheese slices or sticks
Crackers
Nuts
Peanut butter (for dipping or spreading on crackers)
Hummus
Vegetable sticks - carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers, celery
Pretzels
Yogurt (cup or sticks) (tip: you can freeze for a cold pack and it will be defrosted by lunch)
Raisins or other dried fruit
Fresh fruit
Granola
Popcorn (popped)
Cherry tomatoes
Pita chips or bread
Chips and salsa