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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To put notes in my ds's lunchbox?

65 replies

Onestonetogo · 14/09/2010 22:43

DS is in year 1 and this week is having packed lunches. I have started to insert hand-written noted inside the lunchbox for him to read ("Hope you enjoy your lunch" "Have a lovely day at school" "Kisses from mummy"). I think it's sweet and can help him with his reading.
But, now that I started it, do I continue to do it every day? Will the teachers/staff think it's over the top? Too "pass-the-bucket"? Could he feel "different" in any way because his friends don't get notes and he does?

OP posts:
MrsJamesMartin · 14/09/2010 22:44

I frequently put notes in DD's lunch box and shes now yr 4! Will also start with DS who's just started reception when he gets more of an idea about reading.

BitOfFun · 14/09/2010 22:47

YABU. And very twee.

Mowiol · 14/09/2010 22:47

I think that's really sweet Smile

woahthere · 14/09/2010 22:48

just do it very occasionally...that way its such a sweet surprise. I still do it with my 10 year old daughter but only once every 6 - 9 months and that way she really apreciates it. Wouldnt do it to my son past the age of 8 though because I know he would get teased.

FunnysInTheGarden · 14/09/2010 22:50

Up to you, can he read them though? DS1 has just started reception, so not sure what he will be able to read come next year.

If he can read them, YANBU, but if he can't, YABU

Minxie1977 · 14/09/2010 22:50

I think it's lovely - I wrap in greasproof paper and write on that. DH does get a bit embarrassed though Grin

ChippingIn · 14/09/2010 22:51

I think it's really sweet - but it's better if you don't do it every day, then it's a nice suprise :)

RaisedFromPerdition · 14/09/2010 22:51

My Dad used to do this. It's one of my happiest and most cherished childhood memories.

It's twee yes, but brilliant.

Cleggy36 · 14/09/2010 22:53

It's especially a treat if the note is wrapped around an illicit piece of chocolate Grin

nameymcnamechange · 14/09/2010 22:56

I did it once when I had a terrible shouty morning with dd. She was in Yr 1. I just had time to slip a note saying "I'm sorry I shouted this morning" in to her lunch bag and she really appreciated it.

Actually, you've given me an idea - am going to do one for ds tomorrow as its his birthday Grin.

But I don't think you should make a regular thing of it, no.

cloudydays · 14/09/2010 22:59

I still have notes that my mom and dad put in my lunchbox when I was little. I'm 35 now and they're gone. I'm so glad I kept some of them. I have one particularly sweet note from my dad tucked into my wallet.

I'd say just make sure you don't write anything too embarrassing as he gets older, and it should be fine. I used to get "good luck on the spelling test", "can't wait to see you after school" and sometimes a hint of a treat to come like "looks like a rainy weekend - good time for a movie!" I always looked forward to the notes and don't remember ever being embarrassed by them. I'm pretty sure I got them all the way through until high school, when I stopped taking a lunchbox.

I don't think it's twee at all, little things like that mean a lot to kids and who cares what the teachers think. My guess is they probably love seeing involved, affectionate parents anyway.

I fully intend to do the same for my daughter when she starts school.

MistsandMellowMilady · 14/09/2010 23:03

LOL at wondering if said child can read them. If they're still not sure can they not get a break when they're opening their packed lunch?

I'm now thinking of pushy parents printing out slips of paper featuring Comic Sans:

"Biff, Chip, Kipper and Floppy want PFB to eat the Nice Ham"

Original poster
Onestonetogo · 14/09/2010 23:05

Thanks all! Will reduce the notes to once a week or two weeks so it's more of a surprise.
Cleggy, good idea Wink.
I hope one day he'll remember it as a sweet gesture like some of you do Smile

On a slightly different subject, last week I mmade a packed lunch for DH and wrote on a banana "I want your banana later". He ate it and didn't even see the writing!

OP posts:
Original poster
Onestonetogo · 14/09/2010 23:08

MistsandMellowMilady Grin

OP posts:
MisSalLaneous · 14/09/2010 23:15

Shock re banana. Were you not scared he offered it to a colleague or something?? Mind you, not that I've ever offered my lunch to someone else at work, but I can just see how this will be the day where my boss looks hungry and I feel generous! Grin

Minxie1977 · 14/09/2010 23:16

I used alphabet biscuit cutters to write filth on DH's sarnie and had same result Onestone Grin

Meow75 · 14/09/2010 23:18

How about a joke or a funny drawing sometimes, just to be varied?!

MouseCostume · 15/09/2010 07:57

I draw funny faces on bananas and oranges for my ds, he's only 3 so notes would be a bit lost on him!

piscesmoon · 15/09/2010 08:05

I think it is lovely. I wouldn't worry-it will end naturally when your DC gets embarrassed, so make the most of it at the moment.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 15/09/2010 08:13

My DD would be mortified, although seeing as half her packed lunch comes home she probably woulnd't notice.
I do think it's a bit spew worthy though.

Mowgli1970 · 15/09/2010 08:49

I think it's lovely. I always greet my two with a hug and a kiss when I see them, I've noticed no-one else does but I don't care! When they ask me to stop, I will. Notes are a great idea I think and would be a real pick-me-up if they had a bad morning. Think I'll start doing that!

diddl · 15/09/2010 08:50

Rather than continue everyday I´d say quit now!

trumpton · 15/09/2010 08:56

I put a love note in DD's coat pocket last week just saying
" Have I told you recently that i love you "

Got a text back saying " Aw mum , you made me tear up " She is 25 years old. Grin

annec555 · 15/09/2010 08:58

Ah, Cloudydays - I wish I had kept my mum's lunchbox notes. I am also 35 and my mum is gone.

PixieOnaLeaf · 15/09/2010 09:01

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