Back when I was younger, lunch was pretty standard. My mom often packed the classic peanut butter and grape jelly and threw it in a sandwich bag. After much convincing (and many misshaped sandwiches) I asked if foil wrap could be used instead. Her feelings were a little hurt — because moms just want to do everything right — but the switch was made. It may be a dull story, sure, but it’s definitely important to see how much times have changed.
As a mom myself, I actually joined a Facebook group dedicated to school lunch ideas.
Even though my daughter is not yet in school (or eating food that isn’t cut up to oblivion), I figured it’s still a way to prepare for the future. Also, these lunches are inspired. They’re colorful, healthy, and tiny works of art.
Unlike back in the ’90s, they’re not covered in tinfoil or thrown in a sandwich bag.
But, they often contain something my mom never would have even thought to put in my lunch — decorative picks to hold things together. Honestly, peanut butter and jelly sort of just did that on its own. It’s why it’s such a popular sandwich.
According to the Daily Mail, one mom came close to having a tragic moment after her 3-year-old daughter choked on a decorative pick that she put in her lunchbox.
In the days when school lunches are being Instagrammed, it’s pretty tempting for moms to try and class theirs up.
It’s also a good way to get kids psyched about healthy lunches.
Certain picks and decor can also make a school lunch come to life.
Seriously — this cupcake is almost too cute to devour.
“‘I’ve been sending food forks/picks in my three and six-year-olds lunches for over a year without issue, as I thought they were old enough to handle as necessary,” the mom said on Facebook, according to The Daily Mail.
“This past week I got a call from daycare. My youngest had swallowed the pick, choked, and thanks to the fast-acting back blows of a teacher, managed to bring it back up again.”
Parents may not have realized that they were including a choking hazard. These picks are simply unnecessary for younger children.
Sure, your child’s lunch may not be as colorful as the lunch of their classmate.
But are the picks worth the risk?
This mom was extremely lucky to have a knowledgeable teacher in the room who saved her daughter’s life.
But if she knew choking was even a slim possibility, she probably would have left the bento box decorations at home.
It’s important to know that they’re choking hazards, as they’re getting more and more popular.
Even if you think your child wouldn’t put it in his or her mouth, sometimes accidents happen because the picks are so small.
“Angels were protecting my little one for something this size and sharp to not only go down, but back up without major injury is a miracle,” said the mother who faced the incident.
She thought that her daughter removed the pick from her lunch and was unaware that it stuck to another food item.
“That’s a mistake I will only make once,” she said, per The Daily Mail. “Just sharing to create awareness.”
Even standard toothpicks can be scary.
Surely as an adult, you’ve accidentally stumbled across a hidden one while trying to enjoy a club sandwich at least once or twice.
Looking to make sure your child’s lunch is as safe as it can be? Here are some good tips.
For one, if it’s not obvious by now, ditch the picks.
Consider it one less thing to wash. If you still love using them, try to buy ones that are bigger, longer and less sharp.
That, or only use the picks at home where you can monitor your child’s meal.
Always let them know when the picks are in use, so they know to look out for them.
Another big lunch hazard is grapes.
Other cylindrical foods, like hot dogs, also pose a choking hazard.
CBC reports that it’s important to cut up food like this until your child is at least five.
Even if they protest, remember: Their safety is the top priority here. (Plus, cut-up hot dogs are kind of a childhood staple.)
While it’s so sweet to make fancy lunches for your kids, just remember that it’s much more impressive to have something nutritious than something that may impress other people at their lunch table.
Lunch shouldn’t be a competition.
