This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own.
I mean, we EAT. Obviously, but we don’t have to pack lunches in awesome bento lunchboxes, or neatly into brown paper bags, right? WRONG! We go on field trips, and we LOVE packing our lunches when we do! It helps save money, AND it gives the kids the joy of bringing what they love to eat at home to their favorite outdoor learning spot. As lead mom over this way, I try to make sure that everything I pack fits nicely, because let’s face it – ain’t nobody got time for shoddily packed lunches – in OR out of the lunch bags. With the new packaging of lunchtime favorites like Yoplait yogurt multipacks from Walmart, I can stack them neatly in AND out of the refrigerator and not stare into the abyss while wondering why I’m dealing with round shapes again. We pick up our favorite flavors from Walmart. We ALWAYS have to have strawberry, and the kids love a variety of peach and mixed berries to go with that. I’m more than happy to oblige.
Speaking of field trips, we LOVE taking time to visit one of our favorite places in Chicago, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Not only is the entire museum bright and inviting, they make sure to have a space for us to eat and enjoy those carefully packed lunches. Between the butterflies and new exhibits that come in just enough time to keep our interests piqued, we ALWAYS spend a large chunk of the day there being nourished both mentally and physically!
It’s also not a secret that we love rocking our signature pose whenever we visit. There’s a stack of flat rock outside of the museum that the three amigos always sit on so that we can take our requisite photo before heading back home.
One of the things that I love about packing lunch and including items like Yoplait yogurt in them is the fact that I KNOW my kids are going to enjoy. They’ve loved yogurt since being able to enjoy the fruit filled treat, and I love that they are now large enough where I no longer have to share out of my own cup. Sitting down during one of our field trips over lunch and talking about the day’s happenings and what we’ve learned. Yes, I learn things too!
Most of what I learn has to do with purposeful parenting, and not going with what everyone else is doing.
- Packing a lunch does NOT have to be a work of art, unless your kid wants it to be. There is NO need to frazzle your brain trying to come up with nifty ideas each day.
- Just because you homeschool, doesn’t mean that you have to stay IN your home. Even if you’re still IN your backyard. Take lunch outside! Enjoy classes on the patio or in the grass! The change of scenery may be a nice change of pace for both YOU and the kids.
- Put items in their lunches that are easy for YOU and fun for THEM! Kids love little surprises and parents love surprising their children.
- When it’s feasible, buy in bulk when you can, and your sanity will thank you for it. With four children, I go through meat, cheese and bread like water, and when there are great treats like Yoplait in the mix, that goes fast too. I’ve found my children “sneaking” a Yoplait snack before dinner several times over.
- Homeschooling while parenting can be like a ride on a seesaw. One day you’re up, another day, you’re down, then sometimes – you find balance. When you go in knowing this – knowing that by just being a parent, you’ve entered into the wildest seesaw ride you’re ever going to have, you’ll be okay.
Now, I’m going to go ahead and enter into our homeschool area today (otherwise known as the dining area or the steps – dealer’s choice) and we’re going to enjoy the rest of our day over a cup of Yoplait.
My kids love packing their own lunches (thank goodness) so this would be a great grab and go option for them. they like having control of what they are going to eat later in the day and making decisions. Technically they are only getting to choose between what I gave them and what I gave them, so they always end up making healthy choices! Buying in bulk with these hungry faces is a must.
I love Yoplait. I am also seriously considering homeschooling my son. Right now he’s in the first grade.
If my daughter had it her way, she would have yogurt every day after school. I allow it because it does not interfere with her eating dinner.
Great Idea! We aren’t homeschoolers but I know going on field trips and packing a lunch is a highlight of the field trip and breaks the routine from always eating at home.
You know, I never even thought about the idea of homeschoolers going on field trips! I love it and I love the lunch ideas you included as well.
LiveLifeWell,
Allison
My son used to love to pack his lunch, even though he enjoyed school lunch more. I don’t buy in bulk because my son won’t eat anything that has been in the cabients, etc longer than 2 weeks so it goes to waste. I’m not sure where he got that from.
My nephew loves Yoplait yogurt and preparing his own lunch each day. Strawberry or blueberry is the only two flavors we keep on hand
One of the many perks of homeschooling parents can definitely give their children better food options than what is given in traditional schooling. Kid need to eat healthier and Yoplait is one of my favorite brands of yogurt so good choice.
My son, who attends a school also has some awesome options, and I was pleased to see Yoplait available when I dropped in for a visit.
My kids eat yogurt with every meal. It’s gross to me but they love it and it’s healthy. I buy so much Yoplait I need stock to recoup some of my coins.
I know this life. I know it well.
I wish RJ ate yogurt but he doesn’t like anything that tastes like milk lol. I love peach yogurt though.
It’s a good idea to make lunches for kids even if they’re home schooled. It teaches them so much about what a balanced meal looks like and what a NORMAL portion size should be. I have a love/hate relationship with yogurt. Most days it tastes delicious to me. But sometimes…??? LOL! It really is good for you, and Yoplait really is one of the better brands.
I always wondered about what cool ways homeschoolers do lunch, so this is awesome. What a great place to spend lunch. My 2 year old daughter is addicted to Yoplait yogurt. She can tell the difference if I switch brands on her too lol!!
Nice tips for those who homeschool. I always battled that when I have kids I would want them home schooled. But then again, don’t want them to be sheltered. Seems like that is not going to be the fate of yours 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I love paacking lunch for my kids wherever we go. For me, its about being prepared and content. Especially with the smallest one. She’s a picky eater so eating out isn’t an option. I think that’s great that you spend more time on their food choices. Not a lot of moms care.