Do a quick search using #bentobaonph, #bentoserye, or #baonserye on social media, and you’ll find yourself looking at photos of the cutest and most colorful kids’ baons, or packed lunch, lovingly prepared by their passionate moms.
Then there you are on the other side of the screen, wanting to do the same for your kids, but wondering where to get all the creative juices to assemble at least one. Well, the good news is, you don’t need a ton of creativity to start – all you need is the willingness to try!
So Moms, here’s what you can do to start your own #baonserye even if you don’t consider yourself “creative.”
Relax, Moms. You don’t have to own that five-compartment lunch box right away! Overwhelm is not a friend at this point, so start with what you have. The container that sits right in your kitchen cabinet is enough to be your canvas for your piece of art!
Intimidated by the themes and characters you found in your #bentobaonph search? Cut your thinking and working time in half (or more!) by availing of the convenience offered by grocery stores! Buy finger foods cut out in different shapes and sizes and enjoy putting them together in your kids’ lunch boxes!
Don’t underestimate the head start your own cookie cutters and rice ball shapers will give you! Remember, you don’t have to have all the cutters available, because you may also use your plastic gloves or cling wrap to mold the food into your desired shape! Don’t forget the power of your trusty knife in cutting and forming shapes, animals, and characters! You’ll be surprised at how good you can be at this.
Photo courtesy of @eatsbentoph on Instagram
You’ll find that some moms are innately generous to the point that they don’t only share photos of their finished product – they also take you through the entire process of doing their bento meals! From these videos, you’ll learn a thing or two to up your bento baon-making skills!
Several online shops offer food picks and cup liners that give your bento food the instant lift it needs! Don’t forget to pair the bento lunch with an equally cute pair of spoon and fork as well!
As some of these accessories are choking hazards, remind your kids to be very careful when they eat!
Photo courtesy of @nomnomnom_bento on Instagram
The truth is, making bento baons is not a competition between you and other moms. You share with them a goal, and that is to make your kids eat what you prepared! On this note, why not collaborate? Social media can be a healthy (and free!) avenue to learn, so go ahead and reach out to moms for any questions!
Your bento is a picture that paints a thousand words, but actual words would mean so much for your kid, too! Attach a handwritten “Enjoy your meal!” or “I hope you’re having fun today!” on a colored sticky note to let your kid know you’re thinking of them as they eat! Alternatively, you may buy ready-made note cards to also encourage your kids to do their best in school.
Photo courtesy of @bentosforria on Instagram
This may sound counterintuitive when you want to surprise your kids with their snacks or lunch, but you don’t need to stretch yourself too thin when your kid also wants to get involved with their meal preparation! It will not only save you the mental energy in thinking about what to place in their bento baon, you’ll also be helping your kid develop the life skill of preparing and packing meals!
Food of different colors will entice your kids to eat and finish their food. Just don’t get caught up with putting color for the sake of it, or overdoing the color game by using a lot of food color. Be careful: your kids might not recognize the food anymore!
Photo courtesy of @imbentonanay on Instagram
In your attempt to create the most visually appetizing baon for your kids, you might overlook that their food needs to provide them with energy and nutrition for the day. So Moms, make sure that the food is as filling as it is appetizing! Avoid filling it with sweets and junk food for the looks. Aim for your kids to eat healthy and nutritious food – all the design and decor are just a plus!
Whether presented in a bento style or not, it’s important for moms to remember that preparing the meal itself is a labor of love. Make sure that the food is clean and prepared in a sanitary way, and introduce the food to the kids so they know what goes in their body. Most importantly, don’t fall into the trap of feeling less of a mother because you don’t see yourself doing bento baons as great as other moms! If you really want to learn, be patient with yourself and honor your own pace. Your kids appreciate every little effort you do!