Our Favorite New (Old) Game
Country of the Week: Antarctica / Blubber Gloves
Sanity Saver / Mind Jar
DIY Homemade Crayons
Will’s Science Lab: Milk Art
The Boredom Is Not Allowed List
Our Favorite Play DoughMotherhood Musings: Love Notes
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So this morning while I was hurriedly making the girls’ lunches for school, I thought about the moms who tuck notes into their kids’ lunches. I’ve even heard of some who do it every single day.
Whoosh came a wave of guilt. I am not one of Those Moms. In fact, it’s a small miracle if I remember to buy food for their lunches, let alone tuck in a fun note.
I found today’s image on Pinterest, and one of the re-pinners commented that “I’m going to be the kind of mom who puts notes in lunch boxes.” And, this is terrible to admit, I wanted to type in my own comment: “Just wait!”
But I didn’t. Because when I read the actual post it was very sweet and loving and it even made me tear up a bit. And the system this particular mother came up with made the note-tucking process quite manageable, I thought, with plenty of room for forgetfulness on the days when you’re running late or you’re feeling that just getting them up and out the door uses up all you’re able to give.
I know that Lily would absolutely adore lunch-box notes. She is constantly writing us notes, so this would be right up her alley.
Are any of you note-writers? Do you have advice to give for those of us just starting up?
Posted: April 12th, 2012 under Parenting.
Comments
Comment from Maria
Time April 12, 2012 at 9:45 am
I love reading your blog Shannon! I had to comment on this one, because I am a note-writer – I put a note in all three of my girls’ lunches every day. On non-creative mornings, they simply say “Have a great day” or “I HEART you”. But some days I draw pictures, use their spelling words in silly sentences or quote bible verses. On the rare occasion that I forget, I hear about it! “Mom, how come I didn’t get a note today????” My oldest daughter keeps every one and has an entire drawer full of them – I swear she still has some of them from Kindergarten (she’s in fourth grade now!). The youngest throws them away after reading them. Either way, I know they look forward to and appreciate them. The other day I said, “Do you think I’ll still be writing you notes when you’re in high school? and my daughter replied, “I hope so!” 
I consider it a small opportunity to let them know I’m thinking of them even when I can’t be with them all day
Comment from Shannon
Time April 12, 2012 at 6:23 pm
Okay, I’m inspired to do this! Leslie and Maria, you both know what works perfectly for your families, and I have to hope I’ll figure it out, too! And something is better than nothing, right?
Comment from Soleil
Time April 13, 2012 at 5:40 am
I am one that does notes only sparingly. First off, my kids don’t always pack their lunch. However, on days that I think my kids might need an extra boost ( a test day or a day that just seems dreary) I stick a note in. My daughter, age 12, really likes them. My son, age 10, doesn’t seem to care. BUT he loves notes that I sometimes leave on his pillow, especially if I am headed off on business travel. While I am not consistent with this, I think it’s a great idea. As for my growing up, my dad used to paint or draw cards for me for my birthday and just to write notes of encouragement and he continued that through college ( I still get birthday cards he creates). I saved everyone and am working on a way to display them all. Fun side note, my daughter sometimes slips notes in my bag for me to find. I keep every one!
Comment from Shannon
Time April 13, 2012 at 8:32 am
Soleil, I love how you’ve “tailored” the note-writing to what works for each of your kids. And your dad sounds wonderful.
I’m wondering why I haven’t been writing notes that incorporate spelling words to Lily all year!
Comment from Leslie
Time April 12, 2012 at 9:08 am
Our son will start Kindergarten this fall. Yes there will be notes, but I think that they’re more special and appreciated when done sparingly; the surprise of the unexpected. I’ve been married for almost 7 years now. Every once in awhile I toss a note into my husband’s lunch. On the outside, it may not seem like much…but I like to think the kid in him still enjoys them!!