Friday, August 29, 2008

Back to school? Pack a lunch, and hold on to the memories

(The first day of school at Kent Primary School in Putnam County, 1996)


It's back to school this week for kids and their exuberant parents.

For many children, it's the very first day of school, an indelible experience incoming kindergartners, and their parents, will likely remember for a lifetime.

What to pack for lunch, what to wear to school for the big day are just a couple issues facing parents as their kids head off to school this week.

I found some interesting books for making healthful lunches for children I wanted to share here. Back to school also got me thinking about some of the photographs I took years ago when I was working for a weekly newspaper. I wrote and took photos, and even developed film at the time (film! remember that?).

I loved covering the first day of school. The kids were always so excited, dressed in their new outfits, toting lunchboxes and treats for the teacher. The classrooms were clean and inviting, enticing kids to come in and get settled for the school year ahead.

But there was always one kid who did not find it exciting — it was more a fearful realization he was being left on his own in a strange place with strange people — and the reality would set in when Mom or Dad dropped him off and walked out the door.

The photograph, above, was taken in 1996, I believe, on the first day of kindergarten at Kent Primary School in Putnam County. It was a moment I snapped as I walked past a classroom and stopped long enough to peek in and watch this scene unfold. I can't remember the little boy's name, as I only have the black-and-white print. He's probably 18 years old now, heading off to college, with a lifetime of expectations ahead of him. (And, hopefully, he won't feel embarrassed if he sees this old photo, which is truly a priceless moment!)

The one, below, was taken at Kent Center School, in Kent, Conn., probably a year earlier, around 1995.

(The first day of school was a bit traumatic for this little boy; baby sister doesn't seem to be the least bit fazed)

A similar scenario, as Mom gives him one last hug before leaving with little sister.

Believe me, I can relate.

I remember my first day of kindergarten, decades ago. When I realized my mother was walking out the door and leaving me behind, I launched into a little tantrum that Sister Agnes Cecila quickly brought under control. She gently grabbed me and let me do a little tap dance as she encouraged my mother to keep walking and not look back. I know it was hard for Mom to do, but she did. And when the notion struck that I had to stay there without her, I settled in and quickly forgot what I was so upset about in the first place.

After all, drawing tulips under sunny skies was one of my favorite things to do. (And still is!)

There will be plenty more photos to come this week of the first day of school. It's a milestone in our lives — some of it captured on film, and now video, and for others, something that is stored away in the memory banks, only to resurface when another school year comes around again.

I hope these two little boys are happy young men today with their dreams within reach as they head off to college and a whole new experience unfolds before them.

And to all the other students starting out this week — the best of luck, and remember to savor your school years, because time really does fly by.

To all the moms and dads out there who will be making lunches for the school year, here are two new books that can help you pack a nutritious meal for your kids.

J.M Hirsch is a food editor for The Associated Press who always comes up with interesting recipes and ideas for busy parents.


One of the cookbooks features vegan recipes kids and their parents will enjoy. The other offers kid-friendly meals to keep your little ones on a healthful path in life.

Here's what he has to say about them:

Your kids may not believe it, but there is life — and food — beyond chicken nuggets.

And if you need help persuading them of this, two new cookbooks offer a bit of guidance.

First is Jennifer McCann’s “Vegan Lunch Box” (Da Capo Press, 2008), which is drawn from the author’s popular blog that chronicled the lunches she packed for her son.

McCann’s book is great for children willing to try new foods, but might be stuck in a lunchbox rut. As the title implies, the recipes are all vegan, but they still offer plenty of appeal. Many are quite inventive.

As in, aloo samosas (simple Indian-style potato hand pies), sushi, polenta fries, and hazelnut banana sandwich bites.

For children with more carnivorous palates, check out Tracey Seaman and Tanya Wenman Steel’s “Real Food for Healthy Kids” (William Morrow, 2008), a primer on helping kids eat right and eat well.

Seaman and Steel, editor-in-chief of Epicurious.com, cover plenty of nutrition basics, then put them intro practice with appealing, kid-friendly recipes.

Offerings cover cookie jar treats (usually spiked with whole wheat flour), and everything from breakfast to dessert.

5 comments:

  1. Yay Vegan Lunch Box!!!

    I love that lady...holy god....she knits 'cozies' for her apples 'n stuff.....

    **bows down..makes sure BGF isn't looking**

    I mean...tofu ricotta mummies..okay ~ cozies for fruit? (In coordinating colors, of course!)

    Just makes you wonder what she does in her spare time?!

    yay vegetables!

    xo

    Groovy

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  2. I think really good healthy alternatives for children' lunches are sooooo needed.

    -DTW
    www.everydaycookin.blogspot.com

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  3. Really, even I don't do cozies for fruit! She is something special, and it's great to start kids early on the right path to good eats —
    **pushes Groovy aside; bows down next to her**

    You're right, Darius, it's never too soon to present good eating options to kids.

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  4. Hey Barbara! I was one of those kids who felt abandoned..haha. I didn't cry as much as shy away in a corner.
    I also remember bringing my sons on their first day of school. I cried. I was heartbroken!. Yes, I'm quite the sap!
    Maryann xox

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  5. I think there is a little sappiness in all of us when it comes to that, Maryann!

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