I'm writing this sponsored post in partnership with Juicy Juice. Opinions are my own.
We have really been trying to get back into the homeschool habit this month, and it hasn't always been easy. Our two biggest struggles right now have been sleeping and food, which aren't exactly two things you can go very long without doing well. My kids are having a hard time adjusting to going to bed earlier, and I'm having a hard time getting meals on the table fast enough for five growing boys to scarf it all down and move on with their day.
Thankfully, this isn't my first time doing this. I have a few tricks up my sleeve, so to speak. Here is how I get through the first really rough month or so without getting too frustrated.
SNACKS!
Hungry kids are crabby kids. While I would love to have lunch on the table at the same time every day, my full-time, work-at-home job sometimes has me in meetings. That's when a snack lunch can save the day. By having some prepared finger foods ready to go, I can haul all the containers out, set them on the table, and let the boys serve themselves. I don't even have to wash silverware.
I keep the snacks balanced, but include the following:
- hard-boiled eggs
- baby carrots
- sliced frozen berries
- bananas
- lunch meat
- diced rotisserie chicken
- toasted English muffins or bagels
I also keep individual boxes of the Juicy Juice 100% juice line available. These make it easy for the boys to serve themselves, and I have no glasses to wash, either! This can be one of the healthiest lunches they get all week, and it's simple enough for them to serve and clean-up themselves. I try to do this at least once a week -- maybe more, If I'm struggling.
For a bit of fun and excitement, I also try to introduce ONE new food to the kids. I make them take a small portion of the food, and they include it in the mix. Kids are more likely to try new things if they like everything else on their plate. By making it a snacky type of food that they can eat with their fingers, it's also more welcoming. Things we've tried this with include:
- mangoes
- olives
- special cheeses
- mushrooms
They don't always love what they try, but most of the kids do admit that it's not that bad. It also doesn't discourage them from continuing to try new things in the future. (Which is what counts.)
Do you want your kids to try more new foods? Looking for easy way to get lunch on the table?
Through a three-part video series, Chef Jeff Mauro, host of Food Network’s hit show The Kitchen, give ideas for making amazing and simple for creating tasty and simple lunches. All recipes are created with Juicy Juice 100% juice, which is available in 16 flavor varieties. Learn more here.
