Ideas to Get Kids to Eat in School Cafeterias

The school cafeteria: both burden and savior for the parents of children and teenagers. On the one hand, you want your kids to avoid the unhealthy fare that sometimes populates the cafeteria. On the other hand, the "caf" offers a safe, supervised place for your child to go at lunch hour, and hopefully make some friends. Many parents have trouble convincing their children to eat in the school cafeteria, but there are some steps you can take to keep your kids under the secure watch of lunch monitors or teachers.

Instructions

    • 1

      Allow your child or teenager to manage his lunch budget. Some kids don't like being told what to do, but giving them control over what they eat and how much they spend can be a fun way to enjoy the cafeteria. Decide on a dollar amount per day, and tell your child or teen he is free to purchase what he wants for lunch, as long as he eats in the cafeteria.

    • 2

      Talk to other parents who share similar thoughts and goals. A child or teen may shy away from the cafeteria because his friends don't go there regularly. Convene with other parents to encourage your children collectively to eat in the cafeteria.

    • 3

      Talk to the school about improving the food in the cafeteria, or about offering healthy choices. A child may choose not to eat in the cafeteria because of the quality of the fare on offer. Inquire about any food committees at the school that have parent members. Organize meetings with other concerned parents and develop ways together to make your voice heard. Provide concrete, practical solutions, such as hiring a local catering company.

    • 4

      Provide a lunch to your kids that they can eat in the school cafeteria. If your child does not like the food in he cafeteria, or if you are concerned about the health of the food, take matters into your own hands. Make healthy sandwiches and snacks that your child can take to enjoy at lunchtime. Involve him in the planning to give him lunches that he will be sure to eat.

    • 5

      Talk to your child about why he doesn't eat in the cafeteria, and what you can do together to make it more appealing. Listen to his objections and ideas, and come up with constructive solutions together.

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