First things first: I’m a busy dad of two under 10s who works long hours. The idea of creating a bento box extravaganza for my children — something that looks like it belongs in a modern art gallery — is not what this blog is about.
This blog is designed to give you ideas on how to get the most out of a Thermos flask as an alternative to boring sandwiches. The meals are quick, simple, and realistic to make in the morning, while still adding a bit of variety to your kids’ daily lunches.
I am not a nutritionist. My kids will still occasionally end up with a ham sandwich — usually by Wednesday, when the week has caught up with me and I stayed up too late watching Netflix. This blog is about doing your best, not being perfect.
Prep
I invested in Thermos flasks for my kids that keep food hot or cold. For a relatively small outlay, these things last for years and massively expand your lunch options.
By lunchtime, the food is at just the right temperature, so your little darlings don’t burn themselves. I’ve also started taking one into work with leftovers. I no longer have to queue for the microwave or worry about leaks in my bag. I can just sit at my desk and eat a hot lunch.
(Disclaimer: apparently this isn’t advised as it’s bad for your wellbeing and you should take a proper break. I’m choosing to ignore that.)
Here are some links to Thermos flasks that we use and like. They’ve held up well and do exactly what they promise.
Pasta
What child doesn’t like pasta?
I put a pan of water on a low heat, add the pasta, and then get on with my morning — shower, breakfast, or general chaos — while it cooks. Once cooked, I immediately pour it into the flask and stir in a sauce.
Easy pasta ideas:
- Pesto (red or green): Watch out for pine nuts. You can buy nut-free versions or make your own (very easy, and wife-impressing).
- Marmite & butter: Stir in a knob of butter, then add a spoon of Marmite.
- Vegetables: Throw a handful of frozen vegetables into the pasta about four minutes before it’s ready. Add a dash of olive oil and stir.
- Just pasta: Kids are weird like that.
- Any off-the-shelf sauce: Don’t use the whole jar — one spoonful stirred through is usually enough, and the rest will last all week in the fridge.
If I’m feeling motivated, I’ll occasionally add some grated cheese on the side for my kids to sprinkle on at lunchtime. I tend not to add it directly to the flask, as lukewarm dairy products aren’t recommended.
Add a piece of fruit, a chocolate bar, and a drink, and you’re all set.
Soup
Heat some soup, pour in. That’s it.
I usually add bread and butter or a cracker on the side. I do get mildly frustrated by this, as I may as well just make a ham sandwich if I’m buttering bread — but it’s all for the wellbeing of the kids, so I try to justify the effort.
You will need to explain to your children that soup can be poured into the top of the Thermos flask (the cup). My children spent weeks trying to eat soup directly from the flask with a spoon. Only when they asked for a straw did it click.
Wraps
Hot wraps
Air-fry some fish fingers or chicken nuggets for a few minutes and put them into the Thermos flask. They’ll stay warm until lunchtime.
Thermos flasks work best when they’re full, so this recipe works particularly well if you preheat the flask with boiling water for five minutes first. Just remember to pour the water out before adding the food — otherwise you end up with chicken nugget soup (which, to be fair, I’d probably still try).
The benefit here is that you don’t make the wrap — the children do. Add grated cheese, cucumber, or grated carrot, and they assemble it at school.
This turns lunch into an activity and adds a bit of theatre for the other kids. Mine are far more likely to eat the healthy bits if they’re involved in making the wrap themselves.
Warning: wraps may briefly become frisbees or funny face masks. I won’t be there to witness or reprimand this behaviour. By week two, they’re usually bored of it.
Noodles & Veg
Grab a packet of instant noodles and put them straight into the Thermos flask. Cover with boiling water and add some frozen vegetables, cooked chicken, or a boiled egg.
Add a splash of soy sauce and close the lid. Job done.
Rice & Chicken
If you’ve made it this far through the adverts and recipes, well done.
This one should be fairly straightforward if you’ve followed the previous ideas. You don’t need to boil or steam rice — microwave packs work perfectly. Add cooked chicken and a bit of soy sauce, heat it through, and pour it into the flask.
In Summary
It’s not easy being a modern parent, and I often feel guilty when I don’t feed my kids “the right stuff.” This isn’t about perfection — it’s about doing your best and trying different things.
I always send my kids to school with a piece of fruit. I know it probably won’t get eaten, but it makes me feel better as a parent.
I hope this blog resonates with someone and gives you a bit of inspiration to make lunches easier — without turning them into a bento box art project.
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