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Why I Became A Lunchbox Dad And Started Making Bento Lunches For My Kids
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Why I Became A Lunchbox Dad And Started Making Bento Lunches For My Kids

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Three years ago, I started making these famous characters out of food for my daughter’s school lunches. Anonymous internet parents started telling me “You have too much time on your hands” and “Get a real job.” In fact, I have a full-time job, am married, and have three kids. What sometimes gets lost in the story is the reason behind these lunch boxes.

A few months before my daughter started Kindergarten, I was looking for a special way to let her know that I was thinking about her while she was in school. My father had recently passed away from cancer and he had made a huge impact on my life. I wanted to use these bento boxes as one way to make an impact on my own kid’s lives.

I soon started a blog, LunchboxDad.com, to keep a record of the lunch foods. One goal of my blog was to give my kids and I something to look back on. Another goal was to help encourage parents to find creative ways, such as this edible art, to show their own kids that they love them. I hope I have done, and continue to do, just that.

More info: lunchboxdad.com

Minion Lunch

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Kermit Lunch

Super Mario Lunch

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Monsters Lunch

Toy Story Jessie Lunch

My Little Pony Lunch

Back To School Lunch

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Lego Movie Wyldstyle Lunch

Captain America Lunch

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FurnishMyWay_Blog avatar
FurnishMyWay_Blog
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was extremely picky when I was younger. My mom would use a cookie cutter to cut my sandwiches into shapes to try and get me to eat them. This is a really sweet thing to do for your kids!

ninni-koskimaa avatar
NateWhale
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me too. It needed to be heart-shaped :D And not just my mom, my dad and siblings too c'x

Load More Replies...
gracebarclay avatar
GraceBarclay
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you are awesome; please keep up with this love you have for your children. Do not take on board what the naysayers do!!

linda_n_victor avatar
LindaThorsen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awsome! A lot of love in a small box. Who wouldn't like to have a dad like that?

ayanasjoberg avatar
Ayanasjoberg
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom always try's to get me to eat my veggies and I've learned to like them because my dad would make them in to fun shapes an I'm eleven now and I love to eat them now just goes to show how us kids can be so humanely but it can be good thing

auntykk avatar
MaryUlrich
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother had 8 children and she use to pack our lunches in brown paper bags and draw pictures on the front...I will never forget how it made me feel...loved!

mrs_haynes avatar
TracyHaynes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are way funner than ANY lunches I've EVER had! Way to go Dad!

jackie_mcfarlanewenke avatar
JackieWenke
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love love love your lunches!! And the reason behind them makes me love them even more!

jacqui_phillips avatar
JacquiPhillips
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a wonderful idea, I wish I had thought of it when my children were younger!

bcoffron_1 avatar
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Jacqui, I hope to inspire other parents who have young kids now before it's too late!

Load More Replies...
jessicabiehl avatar
JessicaBiehl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only are they super cute, but they also all look so nutritious! Way to go, Dad!

channanballarotta avatar
ChannanBallarotta
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are super cute but how do they stay that cute til lunch. The way my son throws his school bag around they'd all mush :)

amandabethcrowther avatar
Amanda-BethCrowther
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until I started making own lunches I would only let daddy make my lunch. I was picky child and only sandwiches I would eat for long time was turkey and cheese sandwhich with miracle whip and not mayp it mattered or a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich and it had to be strawberry jelly. It depened on yr what kind of pb I liked. I did like peanut butter and banana sandwhich just peanut butter amd banana on bread but to me that wasn't for school that was treast when visted grandpa.

patty_j_pa avatar
JoëlleJPa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this is AWESOME!!! i definitely think it's a great way to stay connected to your kids, even as they grow up, too! AND they get healthy eating! :)

karinniki avatar
KarinNiki
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry Monsieur, I thought you were a mother. Chapeau bas, Monsieur! Your children are so lucky to have you.

karinniki avatar
KarinNiki
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bravo Madame, I wish I had such a loving mother. God bless you.

maxine_broderick avatar
MaxineBroderick
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I'll share this with my children so they can get ideas as to ways to create different lunches for my grandchildren, especially a picky one :) Thank you, this is great..

dariab_1 avatar
DariaB
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are lovely and I perfectly het the idea behind these. Famous fact is also that if the food looks good, it feels tastier too. I wonder, however, if the shapes and designs are well preserved once the lunchbox opens after bouncing in a child's backpack. Just curious, don't take me wrong. I praise your efforts as well as your talent. Keep up the good work and best wishes for you and your family!

sc_c232e65677a1e243d227f4a21226ef66 avatar
TasyaKurniva
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is an adorable thing to do for your kids. My mum rarely made lunches so I had to skip both recess and lunch. It really affected my grades when I was in elementary school.

Smileyrie avatar
SmileyRie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wish I had something like this to look back on instead of soggy honey or cheese & tomato sandwiches. I can still taste that unique flavour

tasha_harris_927980 avatar
TashaHarris
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome Beau! Hubby and I take turns doing lunches,just try for healthy but these are ace.Thanks for reminding me how they loved my notes

YutsutheHappy avatar
AtsunaJaxon
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're so beautiful. Such an amazing and sweet thing to do for your kids! I would hate to eat it cause it would be breaking the design. Kinda wish you were my dad. xD

punjabmalaka avatar
PunjabMalaka
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yeah that'll continue. What is that dad a f*****g f****t loser c**t? Get a life dipshit.

tasha_harris_927980 avatar
TashaHarris
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol... No, your just projecting! I could make you a nice lunch , you may feel better. More loved maybe ? (Please note the use of sarcasm)

Load More Replies...
FurnishMyWay_Blog avatar
FurnishMyWay_Blog
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was extremely picky when I was younger. My mom would use a cookie cutter to cut my sandwiches into shapes to try and get me to eat them. This is a really sweet thing to do for your kids!

ninni-koskimaa avatar
NateWhale
Community Member
7 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Me too. It needed to be heart-shaped :D And not just my mom, my dad and siblings too c'x

Load More Replies...
gracebarclay avatar
GraceBarclay
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think you are awesome; please keep up with this love you have for your children. Do not take on board what the naysayers do!!

linda_n_victor avatar
LindaThorsen
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awsome! A lot of love in a small box. Who wouldn't like to have a dad like that?

ayanasjoberg avatar
Ayanasjoberg
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mom always try's to get me to eat my veggies and I've learned to like them because my dad would make them in to fun shapes an I'm eleven now and I love to eat them now just goes to show how us kids can be so humanely but it can be good thing

auntykk avatar
MaryUlrich
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My mother had 8 children and she use to pack our lunches in brown paper bags and draw pictures on the front...I will never forget how it made me feel...loved!

mrs_haynes avatar
TracyHaynes
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are way funner than ANY lunches I've EVER had! Way to go Dad!

jackie_mcfarlanewenke avatar
JackieWenke
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love love love your lunches!! And the reason behind them makes me love them even more!

jacqui_phillips avatar
JacquiPhillips
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such a wonderful idea, I wish I had thought of it when my children were younger!

bcoffron_1 avatar
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanks Jacqui, I hope to inspire other parents who have young kids now before it's too late!

Load More Replies...
jessicabiehl avatar
JessicaBiehl
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not only are they super cute, but they also all look so nutritious! Way to go, Dad!

channanballarotta avatar
ChannanBallarotta
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are super cute but how do they stay that cute til lunch. The way my son throws his school bag around they'd all mush :)

amandabethcrowther avatar
Amanda-BethCrowther
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Until I started making own lunches I would only let daddy make my lunch. I was picky child and only sandwiches I would eat for long time was turkey and cheese sandwhich with miracle whip and not mayp it mattered or a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich and it had to be strawberry jelly. It depened on yr what kind of pb I liked. I did like peanut butter and banana sandwhich just peanut butter amd banana on bread but to me that wasn't for school that was treast when visted grandpa.

patty_j_pa avatar
JoëlleJPa
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i think this is AWESOME!!! i definitely think it's a great way to stay connected to your kids, even as they grow up, too! AND they get healthy eating! :)

karinniki avatar
KarinNiki
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry Monsieur, I thought you were a mother. Chapeau bas, Monsieur! Your children are so lucky to have you.

karinniki avatar
KarinNiki
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bravo Madame, I wish I had such a loving mother. God bless you.

maxine_broderick avatar
MaxineBroderick
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think I'll share this with my children so they can get ideas as to ways to create different lunches for my grandchildren, especially a picky one :) Thank you, this is great..

dariab_1 avatar
DariaB
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These are lovely and I perfectly het the idea behind these. Famous fact is also that if the food looks good, it feels tastier too. I wonder, however, if the shapes and designs are well preserved once the lunchbox opens after bouncing in a child's backpack. Just curious, don't take me wrong. I praise your efforts as well as your talent. Keep up the good work and best wishes for you and your family!

sc_c232e65677a1e243d227f4a21226ef66 avatar
TasyaKurniva
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is an adorable thing to do for your kids. My mum rarely made lunches so I had to skip both recess and lunch. It really affected my grades when I was in elementary school.

Smileyrie avatar
SmileyRie
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wish I had something like this to look back on instead of soggy honey or cheese & tomato sandwiches. I can still taste that unique flavour

tasha_harris_927980 avatar
TashaHarris
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awesome Beau! Hubby and I take turns doing lunches,just try for healthy but these are ace.Thanks for reminding me how they loved my notes

YutsutheHappy avatar
AtsunaJaxon
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They're so beautiful. Such an amazing and sweet thing to do for your kids! I would hate to eat it cause it would be breaking the design. Kinda wish you were my dad. xD

punjabmalaka avatar
PunjabMalaka
Community Member
8 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Yeah that'll continue. What is that dad a f*****g f****t loser c**t? Get a life dipshit.

tasha_harris_927980 avatar
TashaHarris
Community Member
8 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol... No, your just projecting! I could make you a nice lunch , you may feel better. More loved maybe ? (Please note the use of sarcasm)

Load More Replies...
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