A few days before the school started for my eldest, I was nervous and almost panicking. I felt like I had forgotten something she would need. I was dreading the first day of classes, even more than Ella did. I guess it was because of the homework sessions up ahead. These are tests of my patience and my creativity in motivating her to do homework, and also to love learning. I didn’t want to be the monster mom I was close to becoming whenever I do her assignments with her.
Since she’s having lunch at school, I thought I’d apply what I learned from a TV commercial about leaving an encouraging note in her lunch or baon, so that she would be uplifted somehow while in class. That’s one of the reasons I bought this Go Green Lunch Box from BabiesToToddlers.com. I could leave a colorful note for her, like this:
lunchbox reminder. oops! incorrect grammar!
I love that it’s insulated and leakproof. At first I worry about carrying it attaché case style or vertically, but as long as the silicone bands are in place and the turn n’ lock dial is set to close, then it’s okay. The soups and sauces won’t spill to other compartments.
first lunch using go green lunch box
I kind of find it awkward that the bigger compartment where I put the rice is at the far end. I prefer the rice to be right before me. I observed that bits of rice fall to the smaller compartment in front while my daughter was eating. Maybe I should change it up. Also, I kind of hoped a spoon and a fork would come with it, hee hee!
Another reason I bought this is because of the water bottle that came with it. Before, we had to bring a separate water container because the water in the 500 ml bottle for her all day need was not enough. Now, it’s great that it comes inside the lunchbox.
I don’t know if the encouraging note is working or not. But I know I tried. And having a nice lunchbox wouldn’t hurt, right? It could help make her excited to eat her lunch.
So, regarding doing her homework, I try not to pressure her and just explain the natural consequences of not doing it, like getting a zero. Hehe!
“A lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained.”
― Ruth K. Westheimer
Also, I talk with her about school while she’s writing, and even use my imagination to suggest outrageous scenarios. A little laughter and silliness, and even a song made up from her lesson, could turn homework time into something fun. I hope. 😀
BTW, I also would like to share this helpful article to those who are tutoring or homeschooling their children: 10 Guidelines To Being Your Child’s Best Tutor
If I were a kid, I’d love that lunch box! May variety.
Kids need motivation to like doing something. I think you are in the right direction.
Kat recently posted..Choco-Banana-Hazelnut Brownie topped with Nutella and Chocolate Chips
That is a very cute and encouraging note. Am sure she really smiled upon reading it 🙂
Aileen recently posted..Do I Workout Today?
wow, i’d love it if my mom would leave me notes together with my lunchbox too. so nice of you to prepare these all for her everyday. usually kasi one ulam lang per day if the kid is bringing packed lunch. keep up this tradition and when she’s older she’ll really appreciate looking back at these moments.
Rose recently posted..FIBA, Hallyu wedding and Boys Over Flowers.
That’s really cute.. great note of encouragement.
Dominique Goh recently posted..GoKart Fun with the Family
I think the lunch box is super cute! I can’t wait for my little one to be at school as well. Hirap siguro gumawa ng assignment knowing that my kids can’t sit still..:)
Hmmm… I hope I could find this go green lunch box. I want to get my kid a lunch box as big as this one and with many compartments. I think the encouraging notes helps, it may be not noticed instantly but through time that little thoughts will pierce through their heart.
Daddy Yashiro recently posted..Monday Rush: Dormant Days Are Over
You can find this lunch box at babiestotoddlers.com. 🙂
What a nice way to teach children! I like the idea and i think it will give a positive effect on the children’s phsycological and mental aspects plus a happy memory retained! God bless!
Glenda recently posted..HOW TO ATTAIN STABILITY
A lesson thought with humor is a lesson retained.
I agree with this quote. That’s why I make sure that my tutees enjoy our session. I put a little fun while studying.
Khim recently posted..LiEBSTER AWARD 😀
the kind of lunch box i am eyeing for my son as he has been requesting me to allow him to have his lunch at school
Rosemarie/Gven-Rose recently posted..Throwback Thursday: Wacky Pose
i’m eyeing for a lunch box like that, only I want a smaller one. 🙂
tet recently posted..Review: Lovely ME:EX BB Cream
i have this thing with lock and lock baunan, it is very trustworthy when it comes to leaks.. hehehe i would be trilled if i will be having that lunch box full of delectable food XD
aby recently posted..#OOTD: Silver Lightning
I know, I’m inspired to go on a picnic!
like that lunchbox!
just keep on giving encouraging words for ella at habaan mo pa ang pasensya mo hahaha
Oo nga eh!
that lunch box is so cute! me naman, i’m planning to make bento baon for my little one when he starts school. hope kayanin ng powers ko, hihi! and bento baon for hubby, too. anyway, that note included in the lunch box is really thoughtful. 🙂
Van recently posted..Chic-Boy Lunch
Thanks for sharing that Ms. Ceemee! That lunchbox is great!
Kristine recently posted..Mickey Mouse Hat Crochet Pattern
The notes are so sweet. What has she said about them? Someday I’d like to prepare baon for my future children too, maybe I should practice with myself and the partner for now. Hehe 🙂
Vera recently posted..Gilas Pilipinas!
It feels good to lovingly prepare food for my loved ones, even if I dunno how to cook.
If I were still a child, I would love a lunchbox just like that! I think the love note would work wonders for a child who just had a rough half day in school. 🙂
Maan recently posted..Yuri’s Study Table is All Set – Thanks to Rinadesign!
Yes, it’s true. I hope to encourage her like that.
I agree the bigger space for rice should be near the user. Hmmm.. how about rotating the sides? hehehe
January/Janzcrystalz recently posted..Hanging Bridge… Success!
The clips that could be attached to the cover are at the side with the bigger space, unfortunately.
Cool! You are a cool mom! Having the lunchbox filled with foods and inspiring messages and even tutoring or helping your kiddo do the homework with a little bit of humor.
Thanks, Ron!
Oi, I want this lunchbox, too! 🙂 Good idea about leaving notes to inspire our kids while they’re in school. Will check out their site.
Meikah Ybañez-Delid recently posted..Parenting 101 : Mother and Son
That’s a nice lunch box and I think that will also be nice for us who bring baon to work, hehe. Isang bitbitan lang 🙂 Naku ako 1 year na lang or less, my son will go to school na but super lapit lang naman nun school. Pwede sya umuwe, hehe.
Mommy Maye recently posted..Daily Inspiration: The Reason why People are not Happy
Yes, pwede rin namang for mommies. The design of the bags are not super kiddie-like.
Nice naman of you to prepare so much for Ella and to include a note 🙂 I think parents of this generation are wiser in terms of parenting. When I was younger, I never experienced this, hahaha!
My daughter will be going to school next month. I’m so not good by being a teacher. I easily loose my temper. Reading that quote about humor, oh I’m always praying to God that my patience will be longer as she goes to the next stage in her life.
Jhari recently posted..Flickr Updated
I’m sure God will grant you patience, humor and self-control – the tools we need for motherhood.
That’s so sweet! You have given me a great idea. Since we don’t have kids yet, I’d leave a surprise love note inside my hubby’s lunch box later. 🙂
Lady Anne recently posted..A Year in the Blogosphere!
Awww… I’m sure your hubby would be very happy.
The lunchbox is indeed organized..And i love the message tag. 🙂
January/JanzCrystalz recently posted..Airwalk and Smartfit Footwears for Boys
I do plan to do this when my BabyLove finally goes to school. 😀 Love the lunchbox too. 🙂
Yhey Garcia recently posted..{Vanity on a Budget} Vani-tip of the Day: Waterproof Mascara over Non-Waterproof Mascara?
i want to by the lunch box for myself! looks nice.
Tondo Girl recently posted..My Book List
the lunch box looks organized.
Allan recently posted..Baby’s Foot Reflexology
I love this all-in-one meal box. All in 1 go.. very efficient
cheekeegirl recently posted..The Unbelievable Truth
Great, right? My daughter also gets to have fruits as her dessert.
Oooh where did you get the lunch kit? i like that there are many compartments and that you said that it doesn’t leak!!! Perfect for Timmy’s baon.
Toni recently posted..Making Time for Yourself: The Early Morning Lull
Oops. I just saw that you got it from the website BabiestoToddlers.com 😛
Hehe! Yeah, I also emailed you just in case. 🙂
it’s okay to try to help young kids with their school homework. this helps them in establishing their own study habits. without our guidance, their natural tendency is to play. 🙂
Linnor recently posted..Jake’s Breakfast In Bed On A School Holiday
I know, if my eldest could play all day, she would!
I was like that, too, when my children started school. I stressed out over it more than the kids lol.But you know what, everything turned out fine naman
Marie recently posted..A Parent’s Playbook For Learning Guest Post and Virtual Book Tour
Good for you, Marie! I’m always the one palpitating when there’s homework and when exams are coming up.