Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

I have to admit that I was one of the pickiest eaters as a child. I think I actually gave my mother premature grey hair because I refused to eat anything at lunchtime. One school year, I literally only ate Nutella and provolone sandwiches for lunch (luckily, not in the same sandwich). So what do you do when your little one refuses to eat their lunch?

Photo from the Toronto Star Photograph Archive.

Luckily, if you have a picky eater, you are not alone. The American Heart Association has some great tips to help you. They note that it takes about 11 tries for someone to accept something new, like a new food. So be patient. If your child does not like a particular food at first keep serving it and eventually they will come around. They also suggest that you get your child into the act of preparing meals. If they help you shop and prepare their lunch, chances are they will enjoy it a lot more.

Preparing meals as a family can be a lot of fun. Remember, you are your child's first and best teacher. If you model good eating behaviours, chances are they will follow suit. But how you ask? With lunch hacks!

Lunch hacks are simple techniques that can help you make fun and nutritious meals in no time at all. There are so many school lunch hacks out there that can help you win over the pickiest of eaters. These are just a few of my favourites. So get creative, and try them out today.

Make a Sushi Sandwich

Sushi is all the rage right now, so if your little one loves it try making a sushi sandwich (a.k.a bread roll ups). Flatten out a piece of their favourite bread, spread it with anything from hummus to jam and voila, a lunchtime favourite is born.

Use Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters can be used to make lunchtime fun. Pick out shapes that your child loves and use them to cut anything from their sandwiches to fruit and cheese.

L'Eggo my Sandwich

Your little one hates sandwich bread, what do you do? Try using whole wheat waffles instead. Just like sandwich bread you can spread them with just about anything, and your child will get a kick out of eating a breakfast food for lunch.

Slay it with Skewers

Not every child is into sandwiches and that is ok. Try using skewers to liven up their lunches. You can skewer anything from lunch meats, to cheese and even fruit and veggies. To add extra appeal use cookie cutters to make fun shapes first.

Use Stickers

Don't have time to prepare an elaborate lunch? Use stickers to make funny faces on your child's favourite foods. Just wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap and get decorating.

Books with other Tips and Tricks

If you are looking for more ideas to make lunchtime more exciting for your picky eater, come to the library. We have plenty of books to help you.

Kids' Healthy Lunchbox: Over 50 Delicious and Nutritious Lunchbox Ideas for Children of All Ages by Cara Hobday

Weelicious Lunches: Think Outside the Lunchbox with More than 150 Happier Meals by Catherine McCord

Everyday Bento: 50 Cute and Yummy Lunches to Go by Wendy Thorpe Copley

Do you have any favourite lunchtime hacks? Share them in the comments below.