This post was sponsored by General Mills through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Mott’s® Medleys Fruit Flavored Flavored Snacks all opinions are my own.

Back to school time for me means many things, but one thing that always pops out for me is that it’s time to pack lunches again. With 5 kids all in school (William – 6^th grade, Alex – 5^th grade, Ben – 4^th grade, Henry 3^rd grade and Victoria preschool), I’ve become an expert at packing lunches that are fun and enjoyable for everyone. It’s important for me to make sure the kids all bring their lunch to school because I like to make sure I know what they’re putting in their bodies. I want to make sure I’m giving them the best options in food possible to get through their day. As many of you know who read my blog, my kids are very active in after-school sports, so lunch is an important meal of the day for them because it helps to keep them fueled and going.

As you can imagine with 5 kids, I need quick, I need easy and I need practical lunch solutions to help me get through 180 days of packing lunches. I learned a long time ago that I don’t have the time in the morning to get too creative, but I do have the time to show my kids how much I care and I love them through lunch.

What are some of my solutions for lunch packing for the kids? And what are some of my fave products to pack?

I’m excited to share with you:

1. I always start packing the lunches the night before. This is something my own mother taught me! It’s such a time saver and makes everything flow easier in the morning. There’s no rushing, rushing, rushing trying to pack everything as quick as possible. I pack all the dry items and anything that is pre-packed/packaged and doesn’t need to be refrigerated overnight.
2. One “rule” that I’ve brought into school lunches throughout the years is that everyone gets the same staples, with a just few differences here and there. I once heard a mom tell her child that she’s not a “short order cook.” That made so much sense to me! Obviously kids have different likes and dislikes, so I do adapt to those kinds of preferences, but each lunch is pretty much the same basics. It makes it easy on everyone and it’s a practical way for me to shop for lunches, too.
3. Find foods that are fun. With my sons, I know they love a “fun” lunch. I love finding items that I know they will enjoy. It’s a true win-win. Mott’s Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks are one of my top choices right now for their lunches!   Easy to toss in lunch bags and know that they are made with real fruit & veggie juice. You can’t go wrong with Mott’s, they know kids! Definitely check out the Mott’s Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks for this school season!
4. Dress up some foods! This is a line directly from my Nana! Since I do like to make lunch enjoyable for them, I’ve been having fun doing some silly things that are EASY to do. I take a regular PBJ sandwich and just turn it into a fun shape with cookie cutters. Or I’ll take watermelon and make some fun shapes with them. I love taking basic foods and having fun with them.

There’s nothing like a note in a lunch bag. I’ve been doing this for years for the boys and I’ve never heard them complain about it once! I always toss in a little note. “Good luck on your test today!” or “Can’t wait for the weekend!” or “Love you so much!” Sometimes I’ll just pop it on a sticky note or an index card. Always an easy add-in to every lunch.

See how easy it can be to bring in some quick and practical lunch solutions? I always say if I can do it with 5 kids, you can do it. Back to school lunch making is something that is personal for every family. It’s also an opportunity to show your child how much you care and love them through packing a lunch that you know they will enjoy.

Nothing brings me more joy than my child telling me, “I loved what you packed today!” Makes me smile.

To all the moms and dads out there who are going to embark on the new school season, we can do this! We just need to stick together and keep sharing ideas on how to make it fun, easy and doable for all of us!

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