For parents who don’t homeschool, their children’s school day is a long day. Last year my daughter, who was in kindergarten at the time, got on the bus at 8:15 every morning and returned home 8 hours later at 4:15. Considering she wakes up at 7 and goes to bed at 8, this meant that I only got to see her for 5 hours a day and that she spent more time with her teacher than with me!
As a SAHM, this realization haunted me a little. I was able to mitigate some of the separation anxiety by volunteering in her classroom and in the school so that I could see her during her school day every so often. Another way that I tried to stay connected to her was to include occasional little notes in her lunch box to surprise her and let her know I was thinking about her. The nice thing about lunch notes is that your child happens upon them in the middle of the day when they aren’t necessarily thinking of home and when they can use a little boost to get them through the rest of their day.
Sometimes I would write my notes on her napkin. Other times, I would use a permanent marker to write on her sandwich bag. This year, I wanted to change things up a little so I made some on my computer. I’m going to keep the stash of notes hidden in the pantry near the resealable baggies so I can easily add them to her lunch box throughout the year. And because I love my readers, I’m sharing them here so that you can use them too.
Altogether, there are 4 printable sheets. There are two different sets of cards, one with blank cards (so you can write in your own notes) and one with messages already included. For each set, there are 6 color cards and 6 black and white cards. I printed mine on card stock. You can also use regular printer paper and tape them to the inside cover of the lunch box or to one of the food containers.
Just click on the images below to access the printable sheets.
I hope you enjoy them!
What other ideas do you have for staying connected to your child when you can’t be with them for most of the day? Please share your suggestions in the comments.
Corinne Schmitt
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How cute to send notes in her lunch or backpack… I bet she loved it.
These are very cute and I’m sure my boys would love opening up their lunches and finding these pleasant surprises in there.
Those are super cute – I would love to do those for my granddaughter.
When my kids were younger I added little lunch notes to their lunchboxes all the time. I remember how excited they were to come home and tell me they had found one!
These are so cute! And they’re great to let your children know that you’re thinking of them even when they are at school! I will have to do these when my daughter goes to school. 🙂
These are super cool. I’m going to get a few for my son. Thanks for these. 🙂
Cute printable notes and as a little girl I’m sure she loved them. I home-schooled my boys but would still write notes on the bed, bath mirror or sticky notes around the house. Until they got older and it was “embarrassing.
The patterns are so much nice and this is the most unique way to send notes..You are creative 🙂
We homeschooled last year for kindergarten and now my 6-yr-old is going to school for first grade. He gets on the bus at 6:51 and off at 4:02-talk about a long day! I’ve been going through all the thoughts you mention at the beginning. He eats school lunch so I’ve been thinking of other places to put notes-in his jacket pocket or the front pocket of his backpack. Cute messages on yours!
Aw, I love this idea! It’s unique and special. I would have loved this when I was a kid.
Oh what a cute idea I love it – my Mum likes putting notes in my Dad’s lunch so I will have to show her these 🙂 X
Awwww this really warms my heart. I love the idea of it and I can only imagine how comforting it must be to a child. Super sweet. Plus the designs are sooooo cute!
Another way to stay connected could be to give a child a cell phone (emergency purposes only) but send text messages during lunch and recess to each other.
These are so lovely. I’m sure that this would have made her day! I still take lunch with me (I’m in high school) but now mum doesn’t put any lovely note 🙁
My kids are adults but I use to do something similar when they were little. This is a great idea and a great way to stay connected during the school day.
awww they r lovely and what a great way to brighten somes day 🙂
Oh, thank you! This is such a neat idea!
Woah , they’re SO adorable . Great idea.
Oh my gosh those are so cute. I would have done those notes for my kids when they were younger.
Mine is too small for this now. Will remember when she is older 🙂
What great ideas for your child to remember your thoughtfulness!
My eldest starts school next week, and this is a great idea to let him know his mummy thinks of him even when he’s at school xx
super cute! these can be left in backpacks if your kiddo gets hotlunch too
I super love this precious idea, simple, genuine and not expensive!
I’ve always written a note on the corner of the napkin, but I love your printable notes. They are so sweet.
LOVE these!! I am going to pin them to my Pinterest Lunchbox Board to share with our followers there. 🙂 Thanks so much for a great resource!
You always have the best stuff on your blog. I can’t wait to share this with the ladies on my page! It is really important to make your babies feel good and this is a perfect way to do it.
These really are cute! I love getting ideas like these. Simple, but very much loved by the kids.
That’s such a cute idea. I will have to remember this when my little guy starts going to school.
Thanks for sharing!
Stopping by on the Anything Goes hop.
I just wanted to let you know that yours is a Featured Post at How Do You Do It?! http://hdydi.com/2013/12/30/parenting-link-5/
Yay! That is one of my favorite link-ups because I learn so many great tricks for parenting better. Thank you!!