When I was a kid, my dad would intermittently pop little notes in my lunch bag. “Daaaad. That’s so embarrassing” I would moan after finding one of his I love you, Princess! post-its. (He also liked to torment me by cutting my sandwiches into 8 or more pieces, but that’s a story for another day).
Confession: I acted like it bothered me to discover these written displays of affection, but I secretly liked it. You’re never too old to be surprised at lunch time. Who doesn’t appreciate an unexpected note of encouragement?
Recently I realized that although I occasionally send similar notes to my boys, I could improve my performance in this area. Pinterest will tell you that you should use hand-crafted paper, calligraphy, and flowery rhymes to create odes of love to your offspring, but I’m here to tell you that any gesture is valued. I’ve recommitted to speak love into the lives of my children on a more frequent basis. Won’t you join me?
Here are a few samples, to inspire you on your Affection Journey.
I like to have a theme, but it’s not essential. You be you.
The direct approach is always in style.
Above all, be specific.
Are you with me? Let’s do this.
Have an inspired note you’ve sent with your little angel? Share it over on my Facebook page and help inspire other like-minded parents. Alright, alright, commiserate, we can commiserate together.
Tough Bananas 
My mom once put a card in my lunchbox. I smiled when I received it, showed it to my friends, then threw it out. WAY WRONG ANSWER! I didn’t realize I was supposed to bring it home so it could be re-used. The next one I treated with the reverence it deserved. About the fifth or sixth time it found its way into my lunchbox, at this point covered in food stains, I brought it home and recommended its retirement.
Reading about your notes brought a smile to my face at the reminder. 🙂
So funny. I leave notes for my daughter on a wipe board by her door every night and usually leave heartwarming notes but last night just wrote “clean your room”. This morning it was erased and replaced with a heart. She says she didn’t do it. Uh huhhh.
I like the way she thinks.
I send little notes with my daughter too. Although they are not as funny as yours. I’m going to try the direct approach and see how it works!
Let me know how it goes