As the school year approaches, the thought of preparing lunch for my child fills me with dread. Getting my kids ready and out the door by 8 a.m. is already a challenge, often ending in tears (mostly mine). The post-school “hangry” meltdowns have me texting my partner to come home early, or jokingly blaming him for the chaos that is parenting. Then there’s homework, which feels like an endless cycle of nagging, taking 45 minutes for just 10 minutes of actual work.
But the real nightmare? Packing lunch. My child’s Pokémon lunchbox and I are not on friendly terms. The mere thought of facing its contents in the afternoon makes me want to weep. It’s every aspect of this task that I truly loathe. Sure, some kids can opt for cafeteria food, but my vegetarian, incredibly picky eater would fare even worse with that option.
I know I’m not alone; parents everywhere are counting down the days until their kids can take over this chore. Here are my top nine reasons for this disdain:
- The Shopping List
The amount of supplies required is staggering—endless zip lock bags, countless juice boxes, and a mountain of lunch-sized snacks. By September, a significant portion of my grocery budget is dedicated to lunch essentials. - The Nightly Routine
While I can handle cleaning and cooking, the repetitive nature of making lunch every single night for ten months straight is exhausting. Seriously, it’s like a never-ending cycle. - Endless Complaints
Hearing my child whine about what I’ve packed is a special kind of torture. “I thought I was supposed to have chocolate milk today!” he wails, even though it’s only happened a couple of times. And when I cater to his whims, he often rejects the food, claiming it’s not the same as last week’s. - Judgment from Others
I have a very particular eater who struggles with sensory issues, making lunch at school a challenge. I strive to pack what he will eat, even if it means a couple of granola bars and a rice cake. If you judged my lunch choices, you could easily label me a bad mom. - Facing the Aftermath
Opening the lunchbox at the end of the day takes courage. I brace myself for the mess and the realization that hardly anything was consumed. Deep breaths and rubber gloves are a must. - Unexpected Surprises
The contents of the lunchbox can be shocking. From muffin explosions to creative ketchup art, I never know what I’ll find. Sometimes, it’s like a science experiment gone wrong. - Unpleasant Odors
Even after just a few hours outside the fridge, the lunchbox can return home smelling foul. It’s almost enough to make me reconsider what I pack. - Cleaning the Lunchbox
I often contemplate switching to paper bags just to avoid cleaning the lunchbox. Spills and crumbs seem to accumulate in every corner, making it a daunting task. - The Cycle Begins Again
Every night feels like déjà vu—why must I endure this again?
By the end of last school year, I threw in the towel and asked my partner to take over lunch packing for the final week. Why didn’t I think of sharing this responsibility sooner? My son, now nine, could definitely start making his own lunches—or at the very least, clean up after himself.
Even if I delegate some chores, most mothers still end up doing the lion’s share or constantly reminding loved ones to pitch in. So to all the moms out there facing the dreaded lunch packing duty as the new school year begins, I salute you. And yes, send wine and chocolate, please. In bulk.
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Summary
Packing lunches for kids can be a daunting and repetitive task for parents. From the endless shopping lists to the complaints about food choices, dealing with the aftermath of lunchboxes can be overwhelming. Despite the challenges, many parents share this struggle and often find themselves juggling responsibilities.