I work in a nursery – what we really think of your kid’s packed lunch and what it says about your parenting style

DECIDING what to put in your child’s packed lunch is not easy – especially when you’re a busy, working parent. 

Whether it’s something you whipped together in five minutes or an impeccable creation that took hours to create, your child’s packed lunch will often get wolfed down in minutes.

Now a nursery founder has revealed what they really think about kids’ different packed lunches – and what they think it says about parenting styles. 

Sharon Birch is the owner and founder of the award-winning outstanding-rated nursery in Hartlepool.

The nursery expert said: “I love seeing children grow and develop and watching their discovery of the world around them.

“We look after school-age children during the holidays and after school. 

“We provide a wide-ranging healthy menu but, in the holidays, we ask our children to bring a packed lunch as we are usually out exploring our wonderful coastline or countryside or doing some fabulous outdoor activity.

“We do give an option of providing a packed lunch and this is a charge to parents and we do it as cost effectively as we can.”

Sharon revealed they provide a list of recommended items and suitable suggestions for a nutritious packed lunch. 

She explained that at home, people make whatever choice they wish but part of their job is to encourage and promote positive and healthy eating habits in line with their strapline – learning for life. 

The nursery expert added that they would never let a child go hungry or take away their food and they will always give extras if a child is hungry. 

She said: “It doesn’t have to be a work of art, haute cuisine, or done to impress, it just has to be healthy and filling.”

Sharon revealed the most common items in kids’ packed lunches and what they could mean about parenting styles.

SANDWICHES 

Nursery expert Sharon explained that she sees a wide range of sandwich fillings, from cheese, ham, and tuna, in kids’ packed lunches.

But often some packed lunches can have sandwiches filled with chocolate spread or jam, which Sharon’s nursery tries to discourage. 

They also sometimes see cream cheese, or egg, and very rarely, salad. 

But Sharon said they try not to judge – especially if it’s a shop-bought sandwich – it could mean the child’s parent is super busy and runs a hectic lifestyle. 

Sharon said: “It’s unusual to find things more akin to my childhood – sandwich spread, meat paste, spam or tongue! Good alternatives are bread rolls,  pittas, or wraps. 

“On occasion, a parent may provide a ready-made sandwich but we try not to judge – some of our parents are supermarket workers.

“Others, on the way to dropping their child off may remember they’ve forgotten to pack lunch and have to do a swift detour!”

CRISPS AND CHOCOLATE

Sharon also explained that crisps and chocolate are common in kids’ packed lunches but her nursery encourages parents not to put in unhealthy items.

However, she realises that things like chocolate and crisps are typical staples for children and adults alike. 

She said: “Think of meal deals – most include crisps and chocolate! A huge grab bag, or multipack, is frowned upon but it has been seen!”

FRUIT

The nursery worker and founder said she always recommends children to have fruit in their packed lunches and she usually sees apples, bananas, and oranges. 

Sharon said: “If someone brings grapes we always cut them, for safety around a choking hazard, likewise any other fruit that needs cutting. 

“Some children bring mixed fruit pots or enjoy showing off with a pomegranate.

“Veggie sticks are always a good option, too.”

SNACKS

Sharon also explained that many kids’ packed lunches include little packets of dried fruit, malt loaf, breadsticks, pots of yoghurts and jelly pots. 

But her nursery advises against processed foods, especially those high in fats, sugars and salt. 

She said: “We understand that some parents financially struggle, and often unhealthy choices are cheaper in the supermarkets, which makes for tough choices. 

“One young girl would regularly bring in a huge naan bread, a few bars of chocolate and little else. Mum told us that was all she’d eat but we offered some healthier snacks and she loved them.”

But Sharon also sees really creative food in some of the kids’ packed lunches. 

She explained that some parents delicately pack a lunch bag with sandwiches with crusts removed and flower or heart-shaped cut out designs.

While others have houmous and pitta strips, pistachios, and ready peeled orange segments sprinkled with ginger.

However, she revealed “These are only tossed aside in preference to sharing a friend’s more unhealthy bag of Wotsits and bourbon biscuits! 

“It can be hard to manage when children have different things, and some parents are more health-conscious than others. 

“It has happened that fights have broken out when someone has decided they like the look of another’s lunchbox! 

“And embarrassing when a child asks their parents to buy for them what their friend had and they can’t afford it.

“Like everything else, it comes down to personal preference and finances and we will always support and encourage our families to make healthier practical choices.”

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