I realize many of you, minus the battle of food allergies with your kids, will be packing lunches for the first time along with me. Organization can help us all! Here's what I'm doing to keep me organized and to keep some variety in his choices.

1. Take a piece of paper and divide it into 5 categories.

2. Write down the following column titles: sandwich, sides, sweet treats, snacks, & alternatives. (I have to have an alternative category so I don't sandwich my child to death, he doesn't have an option in taking his lunch. So I'm sure I'm overly concerned with him getting burned out on sandwich's)

3.Take a day or 2 and just write down everything the comes to mind. The things that your child loves, things that would be a special pick-me-up, things that are easy to pack, things that are healthy, and don't forget to look at the things you already have. I've written pretzels & chips under sides but I've also written down all the kinds of chips he can eat (veggie, plain & corn).

4. Once you've made a list you like, Type it up on colored or fun paper and keep it on the fridge or pantry door. This way, it's always at your fingertips if you need a quick idea or change of pace. You can decide to change your menu up monthly if you'd like. For instance, I plan to add beanie weenie as an alternative in the winter months. Hearty but not too messy, lol.

5. Get your kids involved by having them to share meal ideas and/or allowing them to chose their sandwich or sweet treat for the each day. After all, it is their lunch!!!

Hope this helps you battle the daily plans of lunch making, day after day, after day after day, after day...you get it.