Just because you have a teenager now doesn’t mean you have to stop letting them know you’re thinking of them throughout the day. Lunch box notes for teens are a meaningful way for parents to connect with their students when they’re away for the day.
Benefits of Lunch Notes for Teens
Writing lunch box notes for teens has many benefits, including building an emotional connection with a caregiver and feeling loved as they go through their day. Affirming messages and positivity also help boost confidence and self-esteem. Notes that focus on effort help encourage a growth mindset and resilience, while event-specific messages help reduce anxiety and manage stress.
Interactive or open-ended notes promote communication and conversation about feelings. Writing notes for lunchboxes also helps teens internalize positive messages long-term, sticking with them well after lunchtime ends.
When your teen knows to look forward to these lunch box notes, they’ll start having positive associations with eating and lunchtime at school, too.
Loving Lunch Box Notes for Kids
A lunch box note is a great opportunity to show your child how much you love them. Since lunch is during the midway point of the day, they could probably use some cheering up!
1. “You’re my sunshine, even on cloudy days.”
2. “I love you to the moon and back.”
3. “I love you to the moon and to Saturn.“
4. “I love you because…”
5. “You make the world a better place just by being in it.”
6. “Sending you a big hug with this lunch!”
7. “Every day you make me proud.”
8. “You’re my favorite reason to pack lunch.”
9. “You are loved, today and every day.”
10. “Even when I’m not with you, I’m always thinking of you.”
Funny Lunch Box Notes
If you want to brighten your kid’s day, consider adding a joke! Whether it is a witty pun or a classic knock knock joke, they’ll probably get a laugh out of it and share it with their friends at the cafeteria! Here are some jokes that you can include in your child’s lunch box note.
11. “If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.”
12. “Parallel lines have so much in common… it’s a shame they’ll never meet.”
13. “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? … Because they make up everything!”
14. “What do you get when you cross a vampire and a snowman? … Frostbite!”
15. “Knock knock. Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Lettuce in, it’s cold out here!”
16. “Why did the student eat his homework? … Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!”
17. “Why can’t your nose be 12 inches long? … Because then it would be a foot!”
Encouraging Lunch Box Notes
18. “You are braver than you think and stronger than you know. Have an awesome day!”
19. “I’m so proud of you, keep being true to yourself.”
20. “Remember: mistakes are proof you’re learning.”
21. “Do your best, it’s always enough.”
22. “Be kind, even when it’s hard, that’s real strength.”
23. “You don’t have to be perfect to be amazing.”
24. “Be the kind of person you’d want as a friend.”
25. “Good luck on your math test!”
26. “Hope your science presentation goes great!”
Lunch Box Notes for Important Days
27. “You’ve got this! I can’t wait to hear about your day.”
28. “I’m cheering for you today!”
29. “You’ve got this! I believe in you.”
30. “The world needs your ideas.”
31. “These snacks will help with your soccer game later!”
Lunch Box Notes for Self-Growth
32. “You’re stronger than yesterday.”
33. “Your kindness is cooler than any trend.”
34. “Small acts of courage = big growth.”
35. “You’ve got the skills. Trust yourself.”
36. “Your hard work is showing. Keep it up.”
37. “Confidence looks good on you.”
38. “You are smart and talented”
39. “You are capable of achieving your greatest dreams”
40. “Nothing can stop you!”
Fun Ideas to Make Lunch Box Notes Even More Special
Make it Interactive
An interactive note is a fun way to engage with a teen. Add a mini word search, maze, or
drawing prompt. You could also write in secret code or challenge them to tell you two good things about their school day. A writing prompt is also a fun idea and could be related to something the teen is interested in, or you could ask them a question like, “What is your dream travel destination?”
Another interactive lunch box note idea is to include a trivia question. They can discuss it with their friends, mark their answer, and see if they were correct once they get home. A “Would You Rather” question is fun too, and it’s another one they can share with their friends.
Draw a Picture
All ages would love to see your hand-drawn picture, even teenagers. Draw something related to their hobbies or interests, or make it something random and funny. Anything goes when drawing a picture, so be creative and have fun with it.
Write a Fun Fact
If you learned a fun fact your teen might be interested in, share it on their lunch box note. Or, look up fun facts you know they will enjoy. Not only is it a fun way to foster a connection, but it could also inspire your child to learn more about it.
Include a Positive Affirmation
Positive affirmations are “I am” statements that experts say can help “improve education, health, and relationship outcomes”. They are statements that can help teens remember their worth and handle anything that comes their way, even when it’s hard. Some positive affirmations for teens include:
- “I am enough just as I am.”
- “I believe in myself and my abilities.”
- “I am capable of amazing things.”
- “I am learning, and that makes me stronger.”
- “I can keep going, even when it’s tough.”
- “I am becoming the person I want to be.”
- “I am unique, and that makes me powerful.”
Be Creative and Make It Cute
A lunch box note doesn’t have to be plain, although it’s okay if it is. If you have them, use colorful pens or seasonal stickers to make it more visually appealing. You can also add doodles even without color. If you have a family pet, you can also pretend the note is coming from them!