As a busy parent, I find myself preparing rather mundane lunches for my kids. It’s not that I’m opposed to creativity; it’s just that when you’re packing lunch for multiple children each day, time becomes a precious commodity. Most often, their lunchboxes contain a simple peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a yogurt tube, and an apple. While I strive to keep their meals nutritious and appealing, elaborate presentations like crinkle-cut carrots and artisan sandwiches are usually out of the question.
However, despite the lack of gourmet flair, there’s one personal touch I always include: a handwritten note. No matter how hectic my morning is, I make it a point to slip a little message into their lunchboxes. I may not be the most artistic or patient parent (I often find myself scrolling through Pinterest for ideas I never implement), but I genuinely want my children to feel loved and cherished. These notes are my way of communicating that love.
Sometimes they’re silly poems, like a haiku, or a funny doodle; other times, they might be an inspiring quote or just a quick wish for a fantastic day. I might write on scraps of paper, sandwich bags, or even a banana with a Sharpie. Regardless of the format, my goal is to make sure my kids know they’re always on my mind.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that this little tradition wasn’t as well-received as I thought. One day after school, while cleaning out their backpacks, my youngest, Max, casually mentioned that his friends were curious about the note on his sandwich bag but that he felt embarrassed. My heart sank. I had always envisioned my kids excitedly anticipating those little love notes, only to find out they felt “babyish” about them.
Just when I thought my world had come crashing down, Max’s older brother, Jake, chimed in, saying he didn’t mind if I continued writing notes. Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps they were just trying to spare my feelings. Later, as I rinsed out the remnants of lunch, I felt compelled to check the bottom section of Jake’s lunch bag—a place I never packed anything. To my astonishment, a cascade of notes spilled out. He had saved every single one from the past year, some even from the previous year.
Tears of joy filled my eyes as I realized he valued those notes enough to keep them all. They were making a difference, just as I had hoped. The next day, I resumed the note-writing tradition, this time making them smaller and more discreet, because even if they felt a bit embarrassed, they still appreciated the tangible reminders of my love.
And really, if your mom doesn’t embarrass you every now and then, what kind of mom would she be? For more about parenting and insemination, check out this blog post, or to explore further resources on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. You can also delve into the science behind fertility with this excellent resource.
In summary, while the sandwiches may not be gourmet, the love notes I include in my children’s lunchboxes are more valuable than any fancy meal. They serve as a daily reminder of my affection, bridging the gap between my busy life and my children’s emotional needs.