As the school year approaches, one task looms large on my mind: preparing lunch for my son. Just getting everyone out the door by 8 a.m. is a challenge in itself—tears are almost guaranteed, and I’m usually the one shedding them. The afterschool “hangry” outbursts have me texting my partner, begging for an early escape, or lamenting this whole parenting journey. Homework is another delightful activity that takes an eternity, with my son needing constant reminders for just a few minutes of work. Yet, nothing fills me with dread quite like packing his lunch. His bright Pokémon lunchbox now feels like a foe, and the thought of confronting its contents at the end of the day is enough to make me quail. Packing lunch is a task I loathe, and I know I’m not alone—many parents are counting the days until their children can take over this chore.
Here are my top nine reasons for my lunch-packing aversion:
- The Shopping List
Every September, my grocery bill skyrockets with essentials like countless ziplock bags, juice boxes, and an absurd number of snack-sized bags of popcorn and pretzels. It feels like a third of my budget goes toward these lunch items. - The Daily Grind
While I don’t mind cleaning or even cooking, the monotony of packing lunches every single night for ten months is exhausting. It’s a repetitive chore that feels like a Sisyphean task. - The Complaints
Hearing my son moan about his lunch choices is disheartening. “I thought I was getting chocolate milk on Monday and Wednesday!” he whines, despite it only happening twice. When I finally relent and buy mini bagels he requested, he only takes a bite and insists they’re not the same ones from last week. - Judgment from Others
As a parent of a picky eater with sensory sensitivities, I often pack whatever I can to ensure he eats at school. This sometimes leads to unconventional lunches, like granola bars and rice cakes, which might raise eyebrows among other parents. - The Lunchbox Reveal
Opening the lunchbox at the end of the day often requires bravery. The sight of uneaten food and the mess from my son’s attempts to eat can be overwhelming. I brace myself for the cleanup with deep breaths and thoughts of rubber gloves. - The Surprises Inside
I never know what I’ll find in the lunchbox—be it a corn muffin explosion or a bagel soaked in chocolate milk. I’ve discovered napkins transformed into odd shapes and ketchup packets used for some bizarre art project. - The Odor
Despite only being unrefrigerated for a few hours, the smell that greets me when I open the lunchbox can be downright horrific—often reminiscent of death or something equally unpleasant. - Cleaning the Lunchbox
The thought of cleaning the lunchbox is almost enough to make me switch to paper bags. Spills seem to happen every time, and the corners of these plastic containers trap crumbs like a vacuum. - The Endless Cycle
Every night feels like a repeat of the last. It’s a cycle that makes me question my sanity.
As the previous school year wrapped up, I finally asked my partner to take over lunch packing, and I’ve had him help with day camps too. It’s about time I realized I could share this burden! At 9 years old, my son is more than capable of making his own lunch—or at least cleaning out his lunchbox.
Let’s face it, even when we delegate tasks, many of us moms still handle the bulk of the work or play the role of the nagging motivator. So to all the parents bracing for the back-to-school chaos, especially the lunch-packing ordeal—here’s a fist pump to you. And please, send wine and chocolate, in bulk and pronto.
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Summary
Packing lunch for kids can be a daunting task for parents, filled with repetitive shopping, complaints from picky eaters, and the inevitable messes that come home. It can feel like a never-ending cycle of chores that often leads to frustration. However, sharing responsibilities can alleviate some of this burden, allowing parents to manage the chaos of the school year more effectively.