I pack lunch for 2 DCs (10 & 13) and DH during weekdays. They make their own breakfasts during non school days.

Mine started packing their own in MS with parental help for the first year or so. They don’t just wake up one day knowing how to pack lunch. If you don’t want them to pack junk, don’t buy it.

A parent will still pack the occasional lunch for a busy HSer.

Yes (& my kids are older), but I pack them the night before (sometimes add something to a thermos in the morning, but everything else is packed). They could do it, and have at times, but they are also busy with sports, homework, etc. They know how to cook, etc. I really don’t think this will keep them from being independent later in life.

No, my kids get free lunches in my state and they’re actually pretty healthy.

Once in awhile they want to pack, and when they do, it’s their responsibility to make it. I supervise (kids are 3 and 9). TBH I stopped forcing my 9 year old to bring fruit and a veggie because she doesn’t eat them and it just felt like a waste of time and food.

They pack their own, but I have to approve it. If they try to pack no real main (which has happened), I suggest several main options until they pick one. They also know they need fruits and/or vegetables.

It’s fine. There are plenty of ways to give your kids responsibility. Have them fold their own laundry, have them feed the pets, have them make sure their rooms are picked up by the end of the day, have them check their backpacks and make sure their lunchboxes are empty.

I also prioritized healthy eating at that age and packed their lunches to maximize that. Mine are in high school now and sometimes they do it and sometimes I do it and sometimes my spouse does it. Sometimes the older one makes it for their younger or vice versa. They know HOW to do it and they’re busy getting ready, not just sitting on a screen while mom makes PBJs. Don’t stress because you heard some mom talk about how they make their kids do it and if you don’t your kids will never launch.

No, first-grader buys lunch at school.

Mine made them at that age, but there was a checklist on the fridge of what they needed. Fruit, veggie, sandwich, dairy, treat. They didn’t have free range.

They packed the night before and they didn’t do anything that needed to be heated.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes, highschool and middle school and I still pack my kids lunches. The Highschooler could probably do it, but they won’t wake up earlier (it’s already a 6 am wake up) to pack their own lunch, or pack stuff that stays overnight. So I pack their lunches

+1. I also still do it because of sleep.

Same. I’m already up and making their breakfast, emptying dishwasher, etc. It’s easier for me to pack everyone’s lunch and have them ready to go when they come down for breakfast. We have a small kitchen. My older kids prepare themselves food on other occasions when I’m not home. I have zero worry about their independence.

Our personal chef does.

Yes, I pack my middle and elementary schoolers lunch. I cook the other emails so I don’t see why I wouldn’t do it. I make my own lunch too.

My mom packed my lunch clear through 10th grade and would have done it longer if I hadn’t insisted on taking over. I’m an accomplished cook and successful in my life and career etc. I am not stunted from not having packed lunch as a child!

Anonymous wrote:Yes, highschool and middle school and I still pack my kids lunches. The Highschooler could probably do it, but they won’t wake up earlier (it’s already a 6 am wake up) to pack their own lunch, or pack stuff that stays overnight. So I pack their lunches

+1. I also still do it because of sleep.

They make their own. Why aren’t you supervising them so they can’t just take junk? You’re supposed to teach them to do it right.

Yes, highschool and middle school and I still pack my kids lunches. The Highschooler could probably do it, but they won’t wake up earlier (it’s already a 6 am wake up) to pack their own lunch, or pack stuff that stays overnight. So I pack their lunches

I really wanted my kids to make their own lunches (K, 3rd and 5th) but whenever they do they just pack junk. No healthy food and hardly any real “main” meal. So I just stopped and now wake up earlier and make everybody food in the morning so it’s hot and ready to go.

I sort of like it - knowing I am providing them nutritious healthy food during the day even when I am not with them. But am afraid they will be losing some sort of responsibility that might stunt them later in life.