What Would Be The Reason If A Child Did Not Eat Lunch At School?

No matter how variety we pack lunches for the children, they hardly ever eat anything or are only half eaten while they are at school.

I hope. This is the biggest concern that all parents experience.

Usually, the mornings before school are hectic and stressful for families, especially for the mom who has to pack healthy food for the children. However, I am sure a lot of moms find themselves in a block when it comes to packing lunch for the children, or maybe you feel frustrated because you put all of your creativity and hard work into packing a healthy school lunch that your kids never touch or eat.

If you can relate to this situation (school lunch preparation), feel sure that you are not alone!

The growth and development of our children is something we, as parents, take very seriously. First of all, Mom (Mamma), keep a positive attitude and convince yourself that you are doing a great job. Next, make sure that your children are eating enough healthy food to fuel their physical health and minds for future growth.

This article offers some suggestions on how to improve your packing strategy so that your child will eat lunch and how to better understand your child's ideas for lunchboxes.

You can also read: Toddler Eating Tantrums: What To Do If Your Child Throws a Food While Eating

Toddlers With Picky (or Choosy) Eating: How To Help And Handle Toddlers With Picky Eating Habits

Healthy Eating Habits: Why Is It Important And How To Develop Healthy Eating Habits In Toddler's

Reasons Why Children Do Not Eat Lunch At School

1. Tough Lunchbox

Your kids may rarely find it tough to open their lunchboxes because they are strong. When that happens, whatever your child's best effort to open the lunchbox, they finally give up in frustration and decide not to eat their lunch.

2. He or she was not hungry

Children have unpredictable appetites just like adults do. They experience extreme hunger on certain days and no hunger cues on other days. He or she may be engaged in physical activity, wish to hang out and chat with friends, or may not have any specific reason for not feeling hungry.

Note: every time your child says, "I am not hungry," take the time to communicate with them to learn the reason.

3. Variety is limited

No one enjoys eating the same food every day, which is a fact that suits well for children. They grow bored with eating the same kind of food, such as a variety of rice, stuffed parathas, and many others.

4. Expresses interest in trying a friend's food

Children frequently express interest in trying their friends' food because they believe it to be better and tastier than their own.

5. Improper Food Packaging

No one likes eating rubbery Rotis, blocks of rice that resemble rocks, soggy dosas or parathas, or food that has been mixed with other foods. Children used to become irritated when they see this kind of packed lunchbox, and without a doubt, they never touch or eat such food within.

How Can I Encourage My Child To Eat Their Lunch Completely At School?

Does your child always have a full or partially eaten lunchbox when they get home from school? To help your child finish their lunch, try the following suggestions:

1. Talk to your child about why they did not eat their lunch

First, find out why your child is not eating his or her lunch. Ask your child why they are not eating, because there could be a number of reasons:

--> he or she does not like the way the food is packed

--> they do not enjoy the food they eat

--> they find it difficult to open the lunchbox

--> he or she does not have enough time to complete their lunch

Understanding your child's reason will make it easy for you to solve their problem.

2. Involve your child in planning the school meals

Start each week by involving your child in the list-making process for lunch. In order to know exactly what to pack in your child's lunchbox, make a list of everything you believe your child will enjoy eating.

Allow your child to share suggestions for their lunch menu, such as:

--> Monday - Variety Rice

--> Tuesday - Chapatti or Parathas, etc.,

By doing this, you can understand what foods your child likes and dislikes. Additionally, you can learn about the best way to pack a child's lunchbox, including whether they prefer separate boxes or a single box with compartments.

3. Make the food attractive to kids while packing it

For your child's lunchtime meal, prepare different-shaped roti's, poori's, and different-shaped veggies and fruits for snacks. This will keep them inspired and interested in completing the lunchbox.

Note: Avoid mixing all the food items into one box. Use a lunchbox with compartments or a different lunchbox for each food.

4. Prepare a variety of foods

Involve your child in the process of creating a lunchbox meal for them, provide them with a variety of food options, and allow them to choose what they want to eat on any particular day. Instead of listing lunchbox recipes for just one week, do so for the entire month. This will stop you from cooking the same meal every week and will also stop your child from complaining about the same meal.

5. Purchase your child's favorite lunchbox

Parents should allow their children to choose their favorite lunchbox. Simply check to see if the lunchbox is easy to open and close and confirm whether it includes various compartments for separating the food.

Final Thought

Finally, parents should keep in mind that the main goal of school lunches is to provide their children with the energy to get through the day and concentrate on learning. Therefore, avoid introducing any new food varieties to school lunches. If you are having trouble getting your child to eat lunch at school, you might think about packing them some snacks to make up for it.