Why Kids Should Pack Their Own Lunch

It’s the “mom” in us to want to do everything for our kids. However, doing everything for them isn’t always the smartest thing. Kids need to learn how to do things on their own. I decided to start with a basic concept to help my kids learn a few qualities. Here is why I’ve decided that letting your kids pack their own lunch is a good idea.

It teaches them responsibility

One of the best parts about kids packing their own lunch is that teaches responsibility. Kids need to learn to do some things on their own, even if it’s something small. I don’t mind starting this task at a young age because I feel like it’s something that they can carry with them for many years to come.

It teaches them how to make decisions

I sometimes struggle to know what to pack my kids for their lunches. However, I realized it’s great for a kid to pack their own lunches because they learn how to make decisions. Sure, these aren’t life altering decisions, but it is a good start.

It teaches them how to eat healthier

I’m sure most kids would just pack soda and candy if the could, but I would not even offer that as an option. When kids are packing their own lunches they are learning how to eat healthier. Packing an apple is way more sustainable than packing a snack cake.

Fruit and vegetables are great snack options! I keep the fruit in our lunch packing station on the lowest (and most accessible) tier.

It takes a lot of stress off of me

I already have a ton on my plate. I soon realized that if this motherhood thing was going to work in my favor, I couldn’t be responsible for every single thing. Letting my kiddo pack his own lunch was one of the best things I’ve ever done.

Here are some tips for helping your child with packing their own lunch.

1. Keep it simple – I try and keep lunches simple, don’t make this process complicated.
2. Create a lunch packing station – This has been life changing for us. A lunch packing station helps lunch packing become super productive.
3. Help them when they need it – Your kids may need help for a while when they first start packing their own lunches. It’s okay to help!

I filled our lunch packing station with great options from our local Save-A-Lot store in Havre de Grace, MD. The staff at our store has always been amazing and chit chats with the boys, which really helps a stressed-out mama! Find a Save-A-Lot Near You: https://goo.gl/sbwiSA. I love that I can really stock up on things we need (and some extras that the kids really want) without breaking the bank because their prices are up to 40% lower than conventional grocery stores.

Right now, Save-A-Lot is running a great sweepstakes to help with back-to-school! The runs from 7/27 – 9/7 with a grand prize of $100 Save-A-Lot Gift Card + Ipad Mini 2.

STEPS ON HOW TO ENTER:

• Step 1: SNAP IT: Take a photo of your back-to-school lunch, breakfast or on-the-go snack
• Step 2: SHARE IT: Upload your photo or on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook
• Step 3: TAG IT: Make sure to include #PackNSnap to qualify

Save-A-Lot is helping make your back-to-school lunch packing even easier! They're giving away a $25 gift card to two of my readers! Just enter below.

There you have it, kids can pack their own lunches. Look at everything they can learn from it. Would you let your kids pack their own lunches?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Save-A-Lot. The opinions and text are all mine.