The uneaten lunchbox

15 May 2025

Do you often find your child’s lunchbox returning home almost untouched? You're not alone. This common phenomenon - sometimes called the boomerang lunchbox - can be frustrating for parents.

Here’s why and what you can do about it

There are many reasons why children might not eat their lunch at school. Next time you’re packing lunch, keep these factors in mind:

1. Too many new foods

Children are more likely to eat foods they recognize and enjoy.

• Stick with familiar favourites, especially on busy school days.
• If you want to introduce something new, pair it with a well-loved food.
• Be patient - children may need to try a new food up to 15 times before they accept it.

2. Too much food

A packed lunchbox can overwhelm young children.

• Be realistic about portion sizes based on your child’s age and appetite.
• Involve your child in packing their lunch - they’ll be more likely to eat what they’ve chosen.

3. Hard-to-open packaging

Sometimes, it’s not what’s inside - it’s the packaging that’s the problem.

• Test containers at home to make sure your child can open them independently.
• Don’t forget to include any necessary utensils like a spoon or fork.

4. Too busy playing

For some kids, lunchtime is just a break between games!

• Our school provides structured, sit-down eating times - but kids may still rush through.
• Try packing easy-to-eat foods that require minimal effort so they can make the most of the time they do have.

Remember

Children are naturally good at regulating their hunger. Their sense of appetite and fullness is often more reliable than ours. Whether at school or home, trust that your child will eat what they need to grow and thrive.

The Uneaten Lunchbox (PDF 864.34 KB)