Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

Why I Became A Lunchbox Dad And Started Making Bento Lunches For My Kids
User submission
4.3K
115.8K

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

ADVERTISEMENT

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

Dinosaur Lunch

Star Wars Stormtrooper Lunch

ADVERTISEMENT

Chewbacca Lunch

Finding Nemo Lunch

Big Hero 6 Lunch

Kermit Lunch

ADVERTISEMENT

Super Mario Lunch

Monsters Lunch

ADVERTISEMENT

Toy Story Jessie Lunch

My Little Pony Lunch

Back To School Lunch

Pinkalicious Storybook Lunch

Pixar Inside Out Joy Lunch

Lego Movie Wyldstyle Lunch

Captain America Lunch

ADVERTISEMENT

116Kviews

Share on Facebook
Beau Coffron

Beau Coffron

Author, Community member

Read more »

I am a husband and father living in the Oklahoma City area. I work in social media full-time and make fun bento lunches on my blog lunchboxdad.com in my spare time.

Read less »
Beau Coffron

Beau Coffron

Author, Community member

I am a husband and father living in the Oklahoma City area. I work in social media full-time and make fun bento lunches on my blog lunchboxdad.com in my spare time.

What do you think ?
Add photo comments
POST
FurnishMyWay_Blog
Community Member
9 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!

NateWhale
Community Member
8 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
Community Member
9 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!!

LindaThorsen
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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

MaryUlrich
Community Member
9 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!

TracyHaynes
Community Member
9 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!

JackieWenke
Community Member
9 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!

JacquiPhillips
Community Member
9 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!

Community Member
9 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
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
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 :)

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.

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
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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.

MaxineBroderick
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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!

TasyaKurniva
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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

TashaHarris
Community Member
9 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

AtsunaJaxon
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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.

TashaHarris
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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!

NateWhale
Community Member
8 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
Community Member
9 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!!

LindaThorsen
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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

MaryUlrich
Community Member
9 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!

TracyHaynes
Community Member
9 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!

JackieWenke
Community Member
9 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!

JacquiPhillips
Community Member
9 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!

Community Member
9 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
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
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 :)

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.

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
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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.

MaxineBroderick
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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!

TasyaKurniva
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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

TashaHarris
Community Member
9 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

AtsunaJaxon
Community Member
9 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
Community Member
9 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.

TashaHarris
Community Member
9 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...
You May Like
Related on Bored Panda
Related on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda