Montessori-Inspired Tips to Get Preschool Kids Involved in Making Lunches

Involving your child in packing their school lunch can have numerous benefits, from improving their eating habits to fostering independence.

Research shows us that preschoolers who help choose and prepare their meals eat better at school and waste less food. Engaging them in lunch preparation also supports their desire for independence and helps develop motor skills essential for writing. While it may take extra effort initially, teaching these skills early on can lead to smoother, more efficient morning routines as they age.

As your child grows, their role in lunch preparation can evolve. Toddlers might start by spreading butter or packing their lunchboxes with some guidance, while preschoolers can gradually take on more responsibilities like washing fruits or assembling sandwiches. Children can manage the entire process by elementary school – from selecting foods to packing their lunch independently. This progression builds practical life skills and instills a sense of responsibility and self-reliance – key principles of the Montessori method.

Setting up a classic Montessori “prepared environment” in your kitchen supports this learning process. This means providing child-sized tools, accessible food storage, and clear organization so your child can participate successfully. Teaching them step-by-step and allowing them to make mistakes is crucial in helping them master these tasks. While it may be tempting to do everything for them, stepping back and letting them learn through practice is a valuable investment in their growth and aligns with Montessori parenting principles. 

Ultimately, teaching your child to pack their lunch is more than just about the meal—it’s about empowering them to take charge of their own needs. As Dr. Maria Montessori emphasized, allowing children to perform useful acts is crucial to their development, and this process begins with small, everyday tasks like making a school lunch. By encouraging independence, you’re setting the foundation for your child to grow into a capable, self-sufficient individual ready to thrive in their Montessori classroom and beyond.