As a parent, I’m guilty of packing the same old boring lunches. Let’s be honest, my kids don’t open their lunchboxes to discover a vibrant array of organic snacks, perfectly cut sandwiches, and gourmet treats. More often than not, it’s a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a yogurt, and an apple. I strive for healthy options that my kids will actually eat, but the reality is that I prepare four lunches each day and time is not on my side.
Despite the lack of culinary flair, there’s one special touch that makes each lunch unique: a handwritten note from me. I might not be the most artistic or patient mom (I mean, I’ve pinned countless creative lunch ideas on Pinterest that I’ll never actually use), but like any loving parent, I want my children to feel cherished and to know they’re always in my thoughts. So, I express that love through little messages — yes, they can be cheesy. Some days, it’s a silly haiku (Lunch is ready for you / Sorry about the stale bread / It’s all I’ve got today), a doodle, an inspirational quote, or just a quick wish for a great day. These notes find their way onto scraps of paper, sandwich bags, and even drawn on bananas with a Sharpie.
No matter how hectic our mornings get, my kids can always count on finding a note from me nestled in their lunchboxes, a tangible reminder of my affection. I imagine them excitedly opening their lunches each day, ready to read my little greetings, each note designed to bring a smile and a boost of warmth that carries them through their school day.
But one day, that delightful image was shaken when I learned the truth. After school, while sifting through their backpacks to toss out the forgotten items (isn’t it funny how they can easily discard permission slips but bring home half-eaten snacks?), my youngest son casually mentioned, “All my friends wanted to see the note on my sandwich bag today.” I felt a rush of pride — they love the notes! But then he added the punchline: “I was embarrassed.”
My older son quickly chimed in, “My friends say it’s babyish that my mom still sends notes in my lunch.” My heart sank faster than a lead balloon. I had gone from feeling like a super mom to imagining my kids facing ridicule at school all because of my innocent notes. I had anticipated them becoming “too cool” for my affection someday, but I didn’t expect it to happen this quickly. I blinked back tears, unwilling to show my disappointment. “Okay,” I said, trying to sound nonchalant. “No more notes, then.”
Despite my attempt to play it cool, my kids must have sensed my dismay. After a brief silence, my eldest said, “You can still put notes in if you want, Mom. I don’t mind.” His little brother nodded in agreement. “It’s okay, Mommy. I don’t care what my friends think. They might just be jealous.”
“Does it embarrass you?” I asked earnestly. “Please be honest, because I love you no matter what.” They admitted it was occasionally embarrassing, but ultimately, they agreed I should continue the note tradition. Still, as they ran off to play, I couldn’t shake the feeling that their agreement was just to spare my feelings.
Standing at the sink, rinsing out the remnants of yogurt and juice, an impulse led me to unzip the bottom section of my older son’s lunch bag, a pocket I never used. When I looked inside, an avalanche of notes spilled out. I was stunned — he had kept every single note I had sent him throughout the year, as well as some from the previous year. Some were so worn they were nearly disintegrating, the words faded by time and moisture. Tears filled my eyes for a different reason this time. He cherished those notes. They meant enough to him that he not only read them but also preserved them.
The next morning, as I prepared their lunches, I resumed my tradition with renewed confidence. I made the notes a bit smaller and more discreet, knowing that while they might feel “babyish” at times, they were still meaningful reminders of my love. After all, if a mom doesn’t embarrass you, is she really doing her job?
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In summary, even the simplest gestures, like a note in a lunchbox, can have a profound impact. They offer our children a sense of connection and love, even amidst the chaos of daily life.