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Sometimes, a simple, handwritten message can make all the difference in the world. That's what inspired Luke Pieczynski to start writing Post-it® Notes every day for his daughter’s lunchbox. Almost 700 notes later, he’s learned a lot about staying creative — and how big a difference five minutes a day can make. Read his story for inspiration on making your own kid’s day!
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Why lunchbox notes?
It all started with Luke writing notes for girlfriend (now his wife) when they were in a long-distance relationship. Whenever it was time for her to leave, he'd write one special note for her, and leave it somewhere she’d find it later, in her purse, suitcase, or her car. That way she never forgot how much he loved and missed her. It was then that Luke learned just how important taking the time to write a note by hand can be.
The couple married and had their first daughter, a little girl. She grew up to be a budding artist, but was going through a hard time at school. In order to keep her spirits up and help her to harness her creative spirit, Luke started drawing and writing Post-it® Notes and sending them to school in her lunchbox every day. She loved them so much that they started saving these Post-it® Notes in a jar to look back at, which in turn inspired Luke to start a blog about them. Two years later and he’s still at it, but now he's drawing Post-it® Notes for two daughters instead of one!
Luke loves drawing characters and coming up with new ideas to keep his daughters looking forward to opening their lunchboxes and motivating them for the rest of their day. But what's the best bit about drawing lunchbox notes every day? When his daughter draws one back and gives it to him at the end of the day.
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Make your own lunchbox notes with Post-it® Notes
The most important lesson that Luke has learned, the one he wants to share with others, is that it only takes five minutes to make a big difference to your child’s day. It doesn’t matter if you can’t draw, he says, just do whatever you can think of to give your little learner a big boost.
Get yourself a pad of Post-it® Super Sticky Notes 76mm x 76mm in a colour that you and your children love, and get creative!
- Try writing a simple, 'I love you!' and add a smiley face or a happy stick figure.
- Pay attention to your kid’s homework or test schedule and jot a few words of encouragement if they have something important that day.
- Write a note about a special class, like art or music, that gets your kid excited for that activity.
- If all else fails, mention an upcoming holiday or birthday.
- If it’s Friday, everybody loves to be reminded that the weekend is here!
Since Post-it® Super Sticky Notes stick and restick, your children can bring home their notes and stick them up on the fridge at the end of the day to create an ever-changing work of art.
As Luke says, “Spend that five minutes. It can be ‘I love you’ and it can be once a week, and you’ve taken the time to really make an impact on them. That’s all it takes and it’s so easy to do.”
The power of a handwritten note is the power to change your child's life for the better.
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Luke Pieczynski is a loving husband and father of three living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He tries to inspire his children each day with a special lunch note that shares an empowering message. Luke’s work has been seen around the world and helps parents bring creativity into their kids’ lives by focusing on the power of positivity and love. See his work at www.lunchnotesketch.com.
