Starting 'Big' school can be equal parts exciting and daunting, but I want to help make this transition easy for you and your little school goer!
Each week this August I'll be sharing my A-Z of starting school. It will feature a medley of information, from lunch box recipes, back to school essentials and tips & advice, we have also included some advice from Sandra from askateacher.ie.
I hope you find it useful as you and your little scholar make the transition from summer to school.
Let's get started:
A is for Apple & Blueberry Muffins - If your child isn't hungry in the mornings then pop one of these into their lunchbox for a great morning snack! You can find a whole section on homemade bread and muffin recipes inside the Lunchbox Made Easy book if you're looking for some inspiration!
B is for Batch Cooking - it's the easiest way to send in a healthy lunch everyday - check out my blog on 9 top tips for batch cooking . For some more advice on batch cooking & some great recipes, check out my Batch Cooking eBook.
C is for Coconut Chicken Curry - A Mummy Cooks favourite recipe and one that appears weekly in my household. It travels really well in a food flask, simply preheat a portion in the morning with some freshly cooked rice and send in to school in a pre-heated food flask. 
D is for Discuss - Discuss with your child about what you'll be packing in their lunch so that there are no surprises. For more advice on preparing your child for big school, check out my 'Starting out at Big School' eBook, free with all copies of Lunchbox Made Easy recipe book.
E is for Explain - Explain how to use lunchbox items, like opening and closing a food flask or lunch bag. School lunch times are short and you want to make sure that they have as much time as possible to eat by knowing how to open up their kit! 
F is for Food Flasks - Having a food flask really opens up endless lunch options which is why a food flask is my top lunch bag essential for sending in hot or cold meals. You can also check out my new eBook, 20 Flask Recipes which will really set you up for the year ahead!
G is for Granola Bars - These homemade granola bars are the perfect healthy snack for your little ones. They are great as a lunch box filler or as an after school snack. Store in a portion pot and send in in your child's lunch bag. 
H is for Hug - I know this will be tough, but at drop off give your child a big hug and walk away. For more advice from expert Sandra Byrne from askateacher.ie check out 'Starting Out at Big School' eBook. Free with all copies of Lunchbox Made Easy recipe book. 
I is for Ice Pack - A must have to keep chilled foods fresh in your child's lunch bag. I can't be without them! They also work as hot packs too! Excellent! 
J is for Jessica's Smoothie - Getting children excited about lunch is not always easy, so making their experience as engaging and fun as possible is key! Let your child help you whip up this delicious smoothie and I promise they will drink every drop!
K is for Keep Encouraging - If your child's lunch comes home unfinished, I like to offer them what I call a "second chance" this is simply another opportunity to finish eating their lunch before offering anything else. 
L is for Lunch Set - Our Lunch Set includes enough pots to lunch prep for the entire school week. Each set contains 20 reusable pots and lids in 4 sizes. All our Lunch Sets come with a FREE lunch bag, make lunch fun and let your child choose from four fun designs!
M is for Muffins - A healthy homemade muffin is a great lunchbox option. Whether it's a fruit of vegetable muffin, you know your child is eating a nutrient packed snack at lunchtime. We have a huge selection on our website, just search 'Muffin'. Enjoy!
N is for Noodle Soup - There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of noodle soup. Your child will be delighted when they open up their food flask at lunch break to find this yummy dish. Find the recipe in my 20 Flask Recipes eBook. Each of the featured recipes have been created to help you send in nutritious, homemade hot or chilled meals to school.
O is for Open & Close - It's a good idea to take the time before the new school term to sit down and do a 'mock lunch' with your child to practise opening and closing their food flask or lunch bag. It will also help them to gauge how much time they have to eat their school lunch. Find more great advice in our 'Starting Out at Big School' eBook, free with all purchases of Lunchbox Made Easy recipe book.
P is for Positive Talk - Starting school is an exciting time, but it is not unusual for your child to be feeling anxious. Take the time now to talk to your child about all the great things they will be doing at school, like making new friends, great new teachers, arts & crafts and PE.
Q is for Quick Recipes - A smooth running morning is the perfect morning! Take the stress out of planning school lunches by having a stash of recipes to hand. My 20 Flask Recipes eBook is packed with delicious school lunch ideas and a 2 week lunch plan to get you started!
R is for Red Pepper Pesto - Pesto is an ideal side for any snack and are a really easy way to get more vegetables into your child's diet. You'll find a host of yummy pesto recipes in my Lunchbox Made Easy recipe book!
S is for Starting Big School - For those of you with little ones starting 'Big School' this September, you can find all the advice you need in my 'Starting Out at Big School' eBook. With recipe ideas, feeding advice and advice from Sandra Byrne from askateacher.ie.
T is for Test Recipes - Children like the familiarity of home and sending in a lunch you know they like and are familiar with will help ensure that they eat up all their lunch! Test out a selection of recipes before school term begins and involve your child in the process. You can find over 100 recipes in my Lunchbox Made Easy recipe book plus lots of feeding advice and meal plans!
U is for Ultimate Lunchbox Checklist - In my blog I will fill you in on all my lunchbox must haves! These are all the things that help me plan and prep for the school week meaning healthier lunches and less stress! Check it out here
V is for Vegetable Muffins - This muffin recipe is perfect for adding extra veggies to your child's lunchbox. The familiar muffin shape will encourage your child to eat it and the addition of cheese makes it extra delicious!
W is for Weekly Planning - By batch cooking and drawing up a weekly lunch plan you will ensure your child is getting the best nutrients possible during the school week. Not only that but it will alleviate stress in the morning. You can get your copy of my free Back to School 2 Week Lunch Plan by signing up to the Mummy Cooks Club!
X is for Xtra Yummy Smoothie! - A smoothie bowl in a flask? Yes please! Did you know our Food Flasks keep food chilled as well as warm? With a food flask your lunch options really are endless. My 20 Flask Recipes eBook is filled with delicious recipes perfect for your flask - including this Smoothie Bowl recipe!
Y is for Yoghurt Fruit Bark - Yoghurt bark is a great afternoon snack, you can mix it up by changing the berries each time. They make a great alternative to ice cream and your child will love it!
Z is for Zoodles - Zoodles, or otherwise known as courgetti, are another great way to up your child's veggie uptake. Check out my Zoodles with Chicken & Pesto recipe, this is a great mid-week dinner which can also be served the following day in your child's food flask!
My 20 Flask Recipes eBook and Muffin eBook are both packed with delicious and easy recipes to enjoy out and about or pack for school lunches. Using a food flask really opens up your lunch options, making it easier to add lots of fruit and veggies into your school going child's diet. Shop here.
