Packing lunches is often regarded as one of the least favorite tasks for parents, right alongside bedtime routines. I can’t be the only one who feels this way. When I consider the countless lunches I’m destined to prepare over my children’s upbringing, I sometimes question why I decided to have three kids—especially when I need to tackle lunch duty before my morning coffee can take effect. Once the caffeine kicks in, a series of thoughts flood my mind as I prepare their meals:
- I really should have done this last night. What was I thinking?
- How long has that packet of crackers been sitting in there? sniff test Still good, I think.
- Is that greenish hue on the turkey slice “going bad” slime or just normal turkey slime?
- Does mustard qualify as a vegetable? Anything yellow should surely count as at least half a veggie.
- They won’t eat the lettuce on the sandwich, will they? I know they’ll just remove it, but I’m putting it on there anyway—vegetables are important!
- Reminder to self: Never leave mac and cheese in the Thermos overnight. Oh dear.
- Protein? ✔️ Carbs? ✔️ Veggies? ✔️ Pre-packaged cookies that will probably overshadow all the nutritious food? ✔️
- Use-by, sell-by, best-by dates—those are just friendly suggestions, right?
- That dad who crafts bento box lunches that resemble intricate scenes from popular kids’ films? Yeah, that’s definitely not me.
- I should be the kind of mom who slips sweet, handwritten notes into her kids’ lunches. Mine would read: “Dear child—I love you more than you can imagine. Now please eat your lettuce. Love, Mom.”
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In summary, packing lunches is a chaotic yet relatable experience for many parents, filled with thoughts that range from logistical questions to humorous reflections. With the right mindset and a bit of planning, this daily task can become more manageable.