I Say Yes to Lunch Notes for Big Kids

It’s no secret that adding love to lunch boxes is one Jill’s favorite things to do here at A Mom with a Lesson Plan. As we gear up for the coming school year, I’ve been thinking about ways I can help my kids feel connected even when we’re all busy and engaged in various activities. My oldest child is moving into his middle school years and is spending more time with friends and outside interests.

Early adolescence brings more independence, but this week I have some new inspiration for connecting. We’re partnering with Sara Lee® Bread for their Lovable Lunch campaign where you can download free printable lunch notes, recipes, and coupons.

As my son goes out into the world, it’s crucial for him to know that he always has our support. So I’m putting notes in his lunch…

Lunch Notes for Middle School??

YES! Notes in a lunchbox might seem like they are meant for younger kids, but these small gestures can act like little beacons reminding him that we are always here and we’ve always got his back. As silly as lunch notes may seem to him, I’m going to make sure there is one in every lunch I pack.

While I’ve done this sporadically over the years, after pondering what it could mean for my new middle schooler I am eager to make this a habit. Even though I have three lunches to pack, this extra step during lunch prep won’t be difficult.

I already keep a stack of sticky notes and a marker in my pantry and for the next six weeks Sara Lee® is offering customizable lunch notes with their “Lovable Lunch Note” campaign. There are 30 different notes so that’s at least a month of ready-to-go notes. Head on over and make some notes for your kids, and while you’re there grab a coupon for Sara Lee® Bread!

I’m aiming for a balance of personal and inconspicuous, because I know that at this stage of adolescence he wants and needs to demonstrate his independence to his peers.

I also know he’ll probably hide it or toss it after a quick read, but I don’t mind because that steady stream of little notes will create a much larger story over time, one that says you are loved and valued just as you are: regardless of the day you’ve had, the missteps you may have taken, or the trials you’ve endured.

I don’t know about your kids, but mine all have their favorite sandwiches so I keep a list of their favorites on my phone to make planning and shopping easier. I’m also always on the look out for new sandwich ideas, so I thought I’d share a few of our top picks:

• Turkey and avocado on Sara Lee® 100% Whole Wheat
• Cream cheese, sprouts, cucumber and avocado on Sara Lee®  12 Grain
• Fried egg BLT on Sara Lee® Jewish Rye

With 18 different varieties of Sara Lee® Bread I’m sure we’ll come up with some new favorites this year.

What are your favorite sandwiches to pack? Do you have a lunchbox tradition that helps your kids feel connected? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Lorien Van Ness is the mother of four children ranging in age from toddler to tween, as well as, a freelance writer and regular contributor at Creative with Kids and Hands On As We Grow. Having worked with children from birth through adolescence in a professional capacity for more than 10 years, she enjoys helping families create meaningful experiences that foster strong relationships. She grabs any free moment she can to write about life, parenting, and everything in between.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Sara Lee® Bread.