Parents can have different views about this topic. Some may see it as a cute and thoughtful gesture, and others may think that what’s the use of these notes if kids will read them and trash it? I would like to know your thoughts about it? Do you think giving your child a message in their lunch box daily will make it seem less routine and exciting!

At Mother Gurukul, I always look for topics that will make our parenting less stressful. I share tips that have worked for me.  I believe in hands-on parenting and sometimes out of the box too. And to make it exciting and less stressful, I try different strategies to stay present with my children and ensure that they know I’m always there for them.

One strategy I have been following that might work for you is using lunch box notes. You don’t have to be a writer to send your love through these lunch box notes.

Children of all ages need emotional support. To ensure your child has access to this emotional support throughout their school day, it is important for them to feel loved and valued.

Who wouldn’t like words of affirmation in the middle of the day?

Have you ever noticed how your child lights up when you acknowledge them? Imagine how a simple love note tucked into their lunch box will help brighten their day at school. 

Be spontaneous, authentic. Lunch box notes can be as simple as: 

– I am so proud of you!

-You are perfect just the way you are!

-Your happiness makes me happy too!

-I feel so blessed to be your mom!

-Mom loves you!

Every day, when I drop my child at school, I say, “bye, have a nice day”. My little one asks for two bear kisses on his fist, for which he says they stay with him all day. This has become a ritual for us. Almost every parent wishes for a beautiful day for their children at school. Luckily, here schools allow parents to visit during lunch hours. This allows us to see them in the middle of the day. I also try to go to my son’s school at least once a week during lunch hour. The nature of my job gives me this flexibility. There I observe other children’s expressions. Sometimes, I see a happy face, sometimes a gloomy face, or sometimes a puzzled one.

When parents are not with their kids, something handwritten makes their day. We don’t know about their day? Maybe they had a quiz, and it didn’t go well. Now, think about their feelings. In that state of mind, when they open their lunch box, they see a handwritten note that says, “Believe in yourself. You can do it.” Or “Embrace every challenge”.  They are doubting themselves and are in a dilemma about their parents’ reaction to their low grades. And they read words like “I am so blessed to be your mom”. What will be their first expression? A Smile or maybe a face lit up with confidence.

Let’s talk about their brain activity – Large Hippocampus:

Don’t get puzzled reading this word. While reading an article on child psychology and Neuro-science, I learned about Hippocampus. This is the part of our limbic system, and it regulates memories and emotions. The term hippocampus comes from the Greek word for seahorse because when it is removed from the brain, the hippocampus vaguely resembles a seahorse.

A study done at Washington University in St. Louis said that school-age children whose mothers nurtured them psychologically early in life have brains with a larger hippocampus, a key brain structure important to learning, memory, and response to stress.

What is the right age to start or stop sending lunch box notes:

There is no specific age. When kids don’t know proper reading, emojis work, but when they start reading, we can send notes as per their level.

Now comes the question of when to stop sending them? It depends on your child. Young ones love to read a note. But when it comes to older kids, some teenagers may be okay with it, or sometimes, they feel shy about it. So, go with the flow.

Some ideas from my side:

Funny kids jokes (take help from Pinterest)

Recall any sweet memory

Build an on-going story

Draw their favorite cartoon character

Message of encouragement

Write them a riddle

Final words:

To send or not to send notes in the lunch box is purely a personal choice. We know our kids’ personalities, what motivates them, and what they like. In the end, parenting should be cherished. What strategy is followed does not matter.

You may also like: Lunch box and snack box ideas