Page 33 - Intra Muros March Issue 2026

TODAY’S CHILD

WHAT’S FOR LUNCH?
WHA T’S FOR L UNCH?

School days are long, especially for young kids. The food you provide can make all
the difference to their developing minds and bodies

By Nicola Killops

chool days are about early mornings, This is not about good food and bad food. Variety is important, but it works best
packed timetables and classrooms It is about whether a child has enough when it is introduced within what a child
Sfull of noise and expectation. Then steady fuel to last several demanding already enjoys. A lunchbox built entirely
come the lessons, break times, sports hours. around new or unfamiliar food often looks
and instructions for homework. By mid- virtuous and comes home untouched. A
morning, many children have already used Then there is the reality most parents lunchbox built around a child’s favourites,
up more physical and emotional energy know well. Lunchboxes do not always with small shifts and additions, tends to do
than we give them credit for. come home empty. Sometimes they far better.
come home barely touched. Sometimes
What they eat during that time matters they come home carrying something that Lunchtime also has a social dimension
– not in a fashionable or theoretical way, looks suspiciously like a forgotten science that is easy to overlook. It is not just
but in ordinary, practical terms. After all, experiment, quietly evolving at the bottom about eating; it is social territory. Children
food is part of how children get through of the bag. notice what others bring. They compare,
the school day. comment and share, usually without
This is where intention meets reality. intending to be unkind. Familiar, easy-to-
Children are growing continuously while manage food allows children to focus on
also being expected to concentrate, Know your child’s food preferences their friends rather than their lunch. In
manage frustration, follow rules and Understanding a child’s palate matters. that sense, school food plays a quiet role
get along with others. When meals are Some children are adventurous eaters. in confidence and belonging.
skipped, or when they’re too light or Others are cautious, sensory-sensitive
they’re built mainly around sugar, a child’s or deeply loyal to a very short list of Consistency matters more than creativity.
energy levels rise quickly and drop just acceptable foods. Texture, temperature, A lunchbox that is mostly eaten is more
as fast. Those drops often manifest as smell and familiarity all play a role, useful than one that looks impressive and
tiredness, irritability or restlessness long especially for younger children and those comes home full. You do not need a perfect
before hunger is recognised as the cause. with sensory sensitivities. lunchbox; you need one that works.

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