It's 7:03 AM. You just got back from the gym, hair still in that messy post-workout bun, and now you're gently shaking your can't believe she's 10 year old 5th-grader awake. "Come on, sweet girl, time to get up." She groans, pulls the covers over her head, and you're already mentally calculating if you have enough time to do her hair the way she likes it.
The kitchen is your command center. Protein smoothie for you, protein waffles for her and somewhere between finding her favorite hair clip and signing yet another permission slip, you grab that lunch box.
This is where the magic happens, mama.
Between the apple slices and the string cheese, you slip in something that'll make her smile bigger than when she mastered that trendy dance with her friends: a little note from you.
It's not just paper and a glitter pen. It's a mom-hug in written form. When she's sitting in that cafeteria, maybe feeling a little small in her big-kid grade, she'll unfold your note and feel brave again. Because someone who thinks the world of her took thirty seconds to remind her she's absolutely incredible.
Fifth grade is big stuff. New teachers. Friends who suddenly care about brands you've never heard of. That sweet spot between wanting to hold mom's hand and wanting to be independent. But your notes? They're her secret confidence boost.
Need some inspiration? Try these:
You're going to absolutely crush today—I believe in you.
Be the friend you'd want to sit with at lunch.
Your kindness is what makes you shine.
Math test today? Show it who's boss, smarty pants.
I love watching you become the amazing person you already are.
You make me proud just by being you.
You're brave, you're brilliant, and you're SO loved.
Remember: you've got this, and I've got you.
Here's the thing: it doesn't matter if you write it on a sticky note while your coffee gets cold or if you sketch a quick smiley face on a napkin. What matters is that it came from your heart to theirs. Your handwriting, your words, your love—that's what they'll remember.
Maybe they'll even show their friends. "Look what my mom wrote me!" Because kids that age? They still think you're pretty cool.