Hellobee Boards

Not exactly the same thing, because I have a four year old and he just started kindergarten, but we use a yumbox. He does eat sandwiches, so we do a mix of that and, like, cheese/crackers/meat, mini croissants, etc, with fruit, veggies, and a treat, plus two snacks. I honestly wouldn’t worry if food is coming home - if you’re providing a variety of things that you know he generally likes, just assume that he’s eating what he’s hungry for. Sometimes my four year old seems like he lives on air and popcorn.

Remember that the calorie need at this age is not that big. If he won't eat the main dish just serve a tiny portion of the main thing. 2-4 tablespoons, or none, and just do more snacks things. Power bars cut into little bites, fruit leather, cheese and crackers, hummus and carrots, oat energy balls, sesame sticks.

@cake2017: I wouldn’t put hot things in it - when we sometimes send Mac and cheese we use a thermos instead - and I do send it in a lunchbag with a cold pack.

So our (very experienced) preschool teacher has a different approach and told us to pack one main, protein meal and then dessert (fruit). She thinks all the choices makes kids eat less. I was skeptical since it seems like bentos are so popular but it seems to work.