Child refusing to make lunch -- how far do I take this?

[Anonymous]

I would say he's too young.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I packed my kids' lunches all the way through their senior years in high school. I also pack my DH's lunch. I do it because I enjoy it, but I understand that by high school kids are certainly able to pack their own lunches. I had no idea people were expecting 3rd graders to pack their own lunches. It's actually kinda sad.

This.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I packed my kids' lunches all the way through their senior years in high school. I also pack my DH's lunch. I do it because I enjoy it, but I understand that by high school kids are certainly able to pack their own lunches. I had no idea people were expecting 3rd graders to pack their own lunches. It's actually kinda sad.

Sad is right! The little kid wants his parents to make him lunch. Maybe they can make it together but I feel a feeling OP is not that kind of parent.

I have a feeling a lot of the mothers on this board aren't exactly the nurturing type.

How is it not nurturing if your children make their own lunches? My children like to cook and dream of being on the TV show Chopped. They even like to make dinner for us once in a while too. They are 7 and 9. I see this as a natural progression from their old play kitchen. Children like to contribute to the family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- Wow, what a range of responses! After sticking to my guns for a couple hours, he said he'd make his lunch. (and no I'm not lazy -- I was making dinner, helping other DS with a shower and putting laundry in within the same hour). I was standing there the whole time supervising and helping with ideas. He's more than capable of it and from everything I've read, the more kids have responsibility, the more it builds up their confidence.

That's great! Please don't listen to these people calling you lazy. Mine made their own lunches starting in early elementary school, and at that age it is much easier to just do it yourself. Having them involved is the opposite of lazy! You're doing great.

[Anonymous]

Why in the world can't an average child of this age make their own lunch?? LOL

OP, he's obviously reluctant. He said he will do it, but how well will he do?

One idea - my cousin has lunch bins in her fridge. There are 5 days worth of options. Each day her kids choose one thing from each bin. Sunday afternoon they make sure there's enough fruit, muffins and whatever else for the week.

I haven't seen her fridge. I have no idea how she has room for five "bins" but it seems to work for her.

I know a few 9 year olds who are responsible for packing their own lunch and it seems they have a similar set up.

[Anonymous]

Where are you all posting from? My 1st grader makes her lunch everyday. Is this not normal? Your third grade child can't make his lunch? Jesus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here -- Wow, what a range of responses! After sticking to my guns for a couple hours, he said he'd make his lunch. (and no I'm not lazy -- I was making dinner, helping other DS with a shower and putting laundry in within the same hour). I was standing there the whole time supervising and helping with ideas. He's more than capable of it and from everything I've read, the more kids have responsibility, the more it builds up their confidence.

I'm glad it worked out! My son is the same age and I'm trying to get him to help more too. Sometimes when he doesn't want to or is really tired I have him pack only his snacks so he's still doing something. All kids are different. My younger daughter loves making her own lunch.

[Anonymous]

I make my 2nd and 5th grader pack the dry foods, crackers, etc... If they are having hot food in thermos, then I pack it, along with fruit. I pack the fruit because I want to make sure they get fruit. If I leave it up to them, they'd eat no fruit. Kids will make their own sandwiches if it's easy (ham/cheese).

If they don't pack the dry foods, they don't get any for lunch/snack.

I told them that if they leave it up to me, I'll pack whatever I want. This way, they pack something they also want.

[Anonymous]

It's okay to have your young child make their own lunch. It's okay to make lunch for your older child. You decide based on what you enjoy, what you have time for, and what you think is best for your kid.

The kid who makes her own lunch may not put away her clothes. The kid who goes abroad for the summer may not ride the local city bus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you all posting from? My 1st grader makes her lunch everyday. Is this not normal? Your third grade child can't make his lunch? Jesus.

It appears most of these posts are either sock puppets or joining us from 1955.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I packed my kids' lunches all the way through their senior years in high school. I also pack my DH's lunch. I do it because I enjoy it, but I understand that by high school kids are certainly able to pack their own lunches. I had no idea people were expecting 3rd graders to pack their own lunches. It's actually kinda sad.

This.

Double this. And my mom did this for us too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why in the world can't an average child of this age make their own lunch?? LOL

OP, he's obviously reluctant. He said he will do it, but how well will he do?

One idea - my cousin has lunch bins in her fridge. There are 5 days worth of options. Each day her kids choose one thing from each bin. Sunday afternoon they make sure there's enough fruit, muffins and whatever else for the week.

I haven't seen her fridge. I have no idea how she has room for five "bins" but it seems to work for her.

I know a few 9 year olds who are responsible for packing their own lunch and it seems they have a similar set up.

Ironically the he's too young crowd are probably the same ones complaining about the lazy and helpless millennials at work or elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Wtf? I thought it was a parents job to do this til at least 8th grade. You know, feeding your child and all.

[Anonymous]

I spoon-fed my children until the day they left the house at age 28. Why would you shrewish women even have children if you don't want to feed them yourself? I feel so sad for the poor little dears.

[Anonymous]

If it is important to you..I would pack the same ordinary sandwich and a water bottle only. If he wants different or more he needs to take care of it. Otherwise let it go. There are many ways to be independent. My HS kids don't pack their own lunch but do a huge number of other tasks around the house..works for us.