How To Lift Your Kid’s Spirits with Lunch Box Notes

Everyone experienced something different than the norm last year, and it can be difficult to return to this “new normal”—especially for children. Even during traditional school years, many kids find it difficult to return after the summer break. In the past year, many children stayed at home for much longer than two months, especially during the fall semester. It’s very likely that a return to traditional learning has been challenging for kids. 

Whatever the case, it can help your kids to receive a little reminder that you’re there for them. Check out these lunch box notes containing jokes, affirmations, and even sidequests (more on this later) to give your kids a positivity boost during the school day. 

Jokes are a great way to get your kids laughing, and they’re a fun lunchtime activity to share with their peers. If your kid will miss some cheesy dad jokes from home, try packing in some of these:

• Why did the bacon laugh? Because the egg cracked a yoke.
• What does an injured lemon need to feel better? Lemon-aid.
• What color is a burp? Burple.
• Why did the cows cross the road? To get to the moo-vies.
• Why did the tomato blush? Because it saw the salad dressing.
• How do bees get to school? On the school buzz.

Affirmations are a great way to boost self-esteem. Here are some of the affirmations we’ve thought up:

• I believe in myself.
• I can do great things.
• I can try my best.
• I can say no if I’m uncomfortable.
• I am smart.
• I am unique.
• I am kind.
• I am strong.
• I am loved.

And finally, sidequests. Sidequests are little reminders of the actions they can do to spread positivity to others, or help themselves feel better. It helps to frame them as “quests” so that your kids think of these actions as fun missions to complete rather than boring tasks. Plus, kids are often surprised at how spreading positivity can lift their own spirits. Here are a few sidequest examples: 

• Sit next to someone new during lunch today.
• Share your dessert with a friend.
• Ask a question during class.
• Draw a picture during recess.
• Hold the door open for someone.

We know it can be difficult to include anything extra into a busy schedule. We’ve created resources with some of the aforementioned jokes, affirmations, and sidequests. You can download them by clicking the button above, and print them out. If you don’t have time to handwrite notes, keep them in a miscellaneous kitchen cabinet or drawer. That way, each time you pack a lunch, it’ll be easy to pull them out and include a sprinkle of positivity.