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9 Reasons I Absolutely Dread Packing Lunch for My Kids
As the new school year looms, the thought of packing lunch for my son fills me with dread. Sure, getting both kids out the door by 8 a.m. is no cakewalk (tears are often shed—usually mine), and the “hangry” meltdowns after school have me frantically texting my partner to come home early. Don’t even get me started on homework; it takes 45 minutes of gentle prodding for my son to tackle 10 minutes of assignments, which is both maddening and perplexing.
But packing lunch? My son’s Pokémon lunchbox and I are in a constant state of warfare. The mere thought of opening it in the afternoon and confronting the mess inside is enough to make me tear up. Unfortunately, it’s every single aspect of this task that I can’t stand. And yes, I get that cafeteria food is an option, but my vegetarian, super-picky eater would fare even worse with that.
I know I’m not alone. Parents everywhere loathe the never-ending chore of packing school lunches and are itching for the day their kids can handle it themselves (if that ever happens). Here are the top nine reasons I despise this daily grind:
- The Shopping List
From an endless supply of zip lock bags to copious juice boxes and those lunch-size bags of popcorn and pretzels (as if they’re significantly healthier than chips), packing lunches seems to eat up a third of my grocery bill once September hits. - The Daily Drama
I don’t mind tidying up, cooking, or even scrubbing toilets. It’s the monotonous repetition of packing lunch every night for ten months that drives me nuts. Seriously, someone send help. - Whining about the Lunch Choices
“I thought I was supposed to have chocolate milk on Mondays and Wednesdays!” he complains, even though that’s only happened twice. And when I finally cave and buy those mini bagels he begged for, he takes one bite and claims they’re nothing like the ones I packed last week (spoiler: they’re the same). - Judgement from Other Parents
My son is incredibly picky and has sensory issues, making it difficult for him to eat in the chaotic cafeteria. To cope, I pack whatever he’s willing to eat, even if it means two granola bars and a rice cake for lunch. If you were to judge me based on that, you’d likely think I’m a terrible mom. - Facing the Lunchbox at Day’s End
Opening that lunchbox is an act of bravery. I brace myself for the shock of how little he ate and the mess that’s likely to greet me. Deep breaths, and perhaps rubber gloves are in order. - Surprises Galore
Beyond the occasional corn muffin explosion, I’ve discovered all sorts of oddities in that lunchbox: napkins folded into strange shapes, ketchup packets turned into art projects, and bizarre concoctions that could only be described as magic potions. - The Odor
Though the lunch has only been out of my house for a few hours, it often comes back smelling like something straight out of a horror film. Seriously, who knew lunch could smell like death, feet, or even vomit? - Cleaning the Lunchbox
I’ve considered ditching the reusable lunchbox for good old-fashioned paper bags because cleaning out the lunchbox is a nightmare. There’s always something spilled, and those plastic and vinyl boxes have crevices that seem to trap crumbs forever. - The Never-Ending Cycle
It’s like Groundhog Day every single night. Why on earth do I have to start this all over again?
By the end of last school year, I finally waved the white flag. I had my partner pack lunches for the final week, and I even roped him into it for my son’s summer camps. Why didn’t I think to share this burden before? At nine years old, my son is definitely ready to start making his own lunch—or at least cleaning out the lunchbox at the end of the day.
Let’s face it; even if we delegate some tasks, most moms end up doing the bulk of the work or nagging others to pitch in. So, to all the moms bracing themselves for the school year’s lunch-packing nightmare—high five to you! Oh, and send wine and chocolate, please. In bulk. Pronto.
In summary, packing lunch for kids can feel like an endless cycle of shopping, complaining, and cleaning, which many parents dread. From the overwhelming grocery list to the surprises lurking in the lunchbox, it’s a task that tests patience and creativity. But with a little humor and perhaps some help from loved ones, we can survive the chaos.