We all like to see inspirational clips of parents making their kids lunchboxes – they usually appear to be super creative, healthy and wholesome.
But, let's be honest, not every parent has time to make flower shapes out of cucumbers, or make star-shaped sandwiches. One mum has been hailed for her honesty after sharing the relatable lunch she made for her child to take to school.
Mum-of-two Sarah was sick of seeing people posting pictures of their perfectly-curated meals, with healthy snack options, served in the most creative way imaginable – so she decided to show what her kids' get served.
Taking to Facebook, the mum showed off her kid's lunch which consisted of a sandwich wrapped in clingfilm, crusts included, an un-cut pear and a packet of rice sticks.
Sarah admitted that she would love to be the kind of mum that sent her son to school with all Instagram-worthy, healthy snacks – but in reality it just wouldn't get eaten.
She said: "Posting so others don't feel mum guilt. Yes, I would love to offer my child a smorgasbord of healthy goodies, but I have a fussy eater who prefers simple boring lunches, I pick my battles."
Many parents hailed the mum's post as "relatable" and were grateful to see a more real example compared with the attractive and "elaborate" lunches they often seen plastered over social media.
One person shared: "My son will only have a Vegemite sandwich. There is nothing wrong with simple."
Another added: "I try to keep [school lunches] simple too, I do two fruit, one vegetable and a sandwich."
"I have one child that will try anything and another with a texture aversion and likes 'predictable' lunches," commented a third.
Another said: "You will be happy with the simplicity over the years, trust me."
Others pointed out that the lunchbox was healthier than the mum gave herself credit for, as it contained complex carbohydrates, fruit and snacks.
When it comes to the perfect school lunch, dietician Jaime Rose Chambers opts for the "picky" approach, meaning a number of different foods separated into different parts of a container.
She recommends keeping food "familiar" but making "minor adjustments" to help widen their palette and provide more nutrients.
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