3. Make it easy. Give them a formula.

Although some parents are creative with lunches, a lot of us have a formula. Ours is sandwich, fruit and an extra thing (usually something crunchy, but occasionally something sweet). We don't always stick to it, and dinner leftovers that make for a good lunch are in high demand (hello, fried rice). But if your children know the drill, it's easy for them to put together a decent lunch.

Remember to keep the goods in places they can access easily. Depending on when the growth spurt hits, you may need to reserve the bottom shelf for a while.

4. Give them choices. But not too many choices!

Choices are the most fun part of making lunch. When you go shopping, ask what they'd like you to buy for their lunches. If he's always wanted to try the pumpernickel and rye swirl bread, go for it. Let her choose a different kind of fruit every day, or eat the same one if that's what she prefers. And I'm not trying to tell you how to parent, but I will tell you what works for me: I give my crew choices, but not so many they think they own the world.

We as adults don't get whatever we want to eat, whenever we want it, and kids can learn early that limited choices help us save money and waste less. Yes, dear, you do have to eat all the smoked turkey before we go buy salami, unless you can pawn it off on your brother, of course. Choices are good, but your pantry doesn't need to look like the snack aisle at the grocery store.

5. Don't judge. It's just one meal.

When you're ready to cut the cord and let the kids run wild and free in the kitchen, get ready to really let go. What if one day they make a fluffernutter and choose a chocolate chip granola bar? Well, it'll be OK. It can be tempting to tell them to remake the lunch or substitute a better choice, but just let it go (and serve extra vegetables for dinner). And maybe next time don't have marshmallow fluff and chocolate chip granola bars in the house at the same time.

(Anne Wolfe Postic is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)