When did you stop packing your DC school lunch?

[Anonymous]

I was sort of mom shamed for still packing my 9yo lunch every morning. She is capable and has and would do it if I asked, but it’s something I just do. Honestly, it’s quicker and easier if I do it, so I just do it. How about you?

[Anonymous]

My mom packed my lunch until the day I graduated HS. Somehow, I’m a fully functioning adult. I don’t remember why she did it as opposed to me, but I did have weekly chores and responsibilities. I just remember her lunches every single day.

[Anonymous]

2nd grade. But I'd do it if they were in a rush or I wanted to give them something special. In general though, starting in 2nd grade they do it themselves the night before.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was sort of mom shamed for still packing my 9yo lunch every morning. She is capable and has and would do it if I asked, but it’s something I just do. Honestly, it’s quicker and easier if I do it, so I just do it. How about you?

The person who needs to stop is the mom shame.

I think that kids need a combination of opportunities to develop independence, and opportunities to learn how people care for one another. So, choosing some things that each child does for themselves, and some things where they experience having someone do it for them or they do something for other people, is a good balance. Which thing goes in which category doesn't really matter, as long as there is a balance, so do what works for your routine.

In my particular house, my kids were about 7 or 8 when they started packing their lunches. But I'm also a parent who set out a snack for after school every day, because at that point in the day my kids were ready for a little nurturing and reconnection. My SIL, who is a fantastic mom, packed her kids lunch every day through high school graduation. She often left for work before her daughter was up, and she liked having that tangible way of caregiving. But her daughter was independent on other things that my kids aren't at the same age. It's all fine. It sounds like what you have works for you.

[Anonymous]

I still do it, my oldest is 10. Same reasons, it’s easier, cleaner, and honestly, I’d rather have them fold towels or pull weeds or wipe down bathroom sinks than take 20 minutes in the kitchen when I’m trying to make dinner, or worse, when we are just trying to get the hell out the door in the AM. Shame me, too.

[Anonymous]

We don't pack lunches

[Anonymous]

Was still packing last year for my high schooler and will continue when school reopens. DC is fully capable of doing it but it’s something nice I can do. I don’t care if someone shamed me. DC is appreciative that’s all that matters.

[Anonymous]

I still pack for my late elementary & middle schoolers and I don’t intend to stop anytime soon. It’s faster for me to make all 3 at the same time than deal with the consequences of someone forgetting or running late. I like to make sure it’s healthy also. They’re all busy with homework and activities and have other responsibilities around the house, so I feel like it’s no big deal to continue to do that small thing for them.

[Anonymous]

My kids are now older, but I packed lunches thru high school. Who cares?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was still packing last year for my high schooler and will continue when school reopens. DC is fully capable of doing it but it’s something nice I can do. I don’t care if someone shamed me. DC is appreciative that’s all that matters.

Same

[Anonymous]

So weird. Wonder if we have the same friend because I was recently shamed for the same thing!

I have a friend and our ongoing joke since our kids were in K was to “count down” the number of lunches we had to pack, like during the last week of school. The dreaded task. When they declared school closed in March, SHE texted me to joke that we were off the hook! So when mine went back a couple weeks ago, I joked to her about packing. She totally shamed me! What?

Mine are 12 and 10 and I still pack!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mom packed my lunch until the day I graduated HS. Somehow, I’m a fully functioning adult. I don’t remember why she did it as opposed to me, but I did have weekly chores and responsibilities. I just remember her lunches every single day.

It is really sweet that you remember your mom doing so, PP.
My mom is no longer alive and I find that it is the small, almost routine, things that she did for me way back when that I remember most.

[Anonymous]

I haven’t stopped. Kids are in 5th, 2nd and 1st. It’s just easier.

[Anonymous]

Ugh, this is why people should keep their mouths shut! It’s so rude. Stay in your lane and you do you!

[Anonymous]

So funny, I just watched an old “7th Heaven” episode last night and the parents sucked lunches for all five kids - senior to first grader and it’s didn’t strike me as strange!