Lunchtime Fun & Rituals with Kids

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Camping trips, lazy days at the pool, backyard water fights, and picnics at the park - these are the activities that a good summertime story is made of. As much as my kids enjoy the carefree days of summer (they even managed to lose track of the days within the first two weeks), they are also excited to start back to school. While I relish the thought of having some time to myself again, I already feel nostalgic about the memories we create together in the summer.

Lunchtime during the summer holidays takes place according to our bodies' schedules rather than the clock's. Two little heads appear beside me as I start pulling lunch meat and slices of watermelon out of the fridge. Four willing hands start to spread mayonnaise and mustard on slices of bread and set the patio table with place mats and napkins. My 6-year old son has claimed the job of "Official Cucumber Slicer". He sits carefully on a chair, pulled up to the counter, and slowly saws away at a cucumber until we have enough slices to fill everyone's sandwiches.


With my husband and I both working from home on many days, we have ample opportunities to eat together. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would not have it any other way. It gives us the opportunity to chat about our day so far and to enjoy each other's company. How I am going to miss our midday chats when summer is over. Lunchtime will be far too quiet.

With my boys gone all day at school in the fall, I have an overwhelming need to stay connected to them even while we are apart. When I make their lunch each morning (they will be eating corn dogs and waffles on a stick - seriously - over my dead body), I tuck a note in each of their lunches. While the notes always include some sort of motherly sentiment, I also include either a fill-in-the-blanks secret message or a joke they can share with their friends. This small gesture lets them know that I am thinking of them, even though we are not together. After school, they often can not wait to tell me that they solved the puzzle or which of their friends had a joke to tell in response.

There are only a few weeks of summer holidays left and I plan to enjoy every moment we spend preparing and eating lunch together. For more great ideas on fun ways to spend time with your kids, check out Smucker's Kidvitations.

This giveaway is now closed.

For a chance to win a $200 Visa gift card, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What were your favorite lunchtime rituals when you were a kid?"

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This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
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You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

This giveaway will be running from August 5 to August 25, 2010.

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Create a Kidvitation!

Home can be a busy place with the hustle and bustle of everyday life. That’s why it’s important to set time aside to spend with your kids. Use Smuckers® Kidvitations to invite your kids to share a moment with you over a perfect PB&J. Check it out. > http://www.smuckers.com/promotions/kidvitations/Default.aspx