This post is sponsored by Sun-Maid, but all opinions are my own.
It is more important now than ever to make sure kids feel loved, safe, and important. I want to make sure my children do not feel stressed with the new school year, however that may look, and they are able to concentrate in class, get their schoolwork done and enjoy a healthy diet. Parents are preparing breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks every single day for their children and preparing these meals can easily become a stressful task for any busy parent. It can be especially difficult doing your best to add a variety of different flavors while incorporating better for you snacks you feel good about and the kids will eat! I would like to share how I prepare fun meals and snacks for my children that make them smile and how I include sweet notes and jokes to make their day a little more special.
While your children are pursuing academic success and personal growth, it's natural to miss them and want to send reminders of love and support. For that reason, writing your child sweet, funny, and even quirky lunch box notes can be heartwarming with immediate and long-lasting benefits. Writing riddles, notes, or jokes I think shows positive reinforcement to promote self-esteem, resilience, and improved performance. I always try to include a personalized note in my children's lunches that puts a smile on their faces, alongside some of their favorite foods that keep them going during the long school day. Sun-Maid offers convenient whole fruit snacks that my kids enjoy in a variety of options. Their products have always been delicious and made with whole fruit, just like I remember fondly from my childhood.
For lunch I like to include Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins along with their sandwich and carrot sticks. Sun-Maid’s Yogurt Covered Raisins are made with whole fruit and put a twist on Sun-Maid’s classic California sun-dried raisins. A coat of indulgent-flavored yogurt over Sun-Maid’s timeless and trusted little raisins makes these treats a tasty and better-for-you snacking option. Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins are available in chocolate peanut butter and PB&J, as well as chocolate, vanilla and strawberry vanilla.
I like to cut their sandwich into a fun shape using a cookie cutter. My kids love this and it makes it fun and different. Some days besides sandwiches, I make chicken strips, cheese pizza, or a quesadilla. With lunches I always add a sweet note to let my kids know that I am thinking of them and I am so proud of them. Sometimes I add a joke to make them laugh or a riddle to make them think, but whether it's a riddle, joke, or love note your child will be thrilled to find it midday! These notes can also serve as messages of unconditional love and acknowledgment. It's in our human nature to want to be acknowledged for who we are, and kids are no different. Especially right now with everything going on in the world.
I like to cut their sandwich into a fun shape using a cookie cutter. My kids love this and it makes it fun and different. Some days besides sandwiches, I make chicken strips, cheese pizza, or a quesadilla. With lunches I always add a sweet note to let my kids know that I am thinking of them and I am so proud of them. Sometimes I add a joke to make them laugh or a riddle to make them think, but whether it's a riddle, joke, or love note your child will be thrilled to find it midday! These notes can also serve as messages of unconditional love and acknowledgment. It's in our human nature to want to be acknowledged for who we are, and kids are no different. Especially right now with everything going on in the world.
Imagine how a simple love note tucked into your child's lunch box or backpack will help brighten their day at school. And the more creative you can get, the better. Your kids will appreciate the extra effort you put into writing a sweet note for them. You'll be creating wonderful childhood memories for your kids, and maybe one day, they'll surprise you with a note of your own.
For morning or afternoon snack, I like to make homemade almond granola that includes Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins. They love this granola mix and it is a perfect snack for the whole family. Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins are made with traditional raisins which, have many health benefits. Raisins contribute to our daily intake of fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. As nutritious as they are delicious, raisins make for a great snack for kids by helping them reach the recommended five to nine daily servings of fruit. The kids even help make the granola mix because it is so easy. Just add your favorite nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, peanuts and granola, and your favorite Sun-Maid Yogurt Covered Raisins.
These are just a few simple things I do to make sure my kids are happy from the moment they wake up until they go to bed. I want my children to be excited about their meals and ready to take on the day. Plus, it is so important to me that my kids eat better snacks that are good for them and delicious too! Remember, there is no wrong way to write a note and let your child know you are thinking of them. You could do it on an animal shaped cut out piece of paper, you can write a joke, recall a happy memory, draw a funny picture, share a message of encouragement, write a thoughtful reason why you love them, write a poem, draw their favorite cartoon character, or write them a riddle. There are so many ideas that literally take minutes to do and will make your kids smile all day.
