Jennifer

Growing up, the most stressful part of my day was lunch. The lunch room was loud, I never knew who to sit with, kids teased each other for what they brought. Sigh.

A generation later and not much has changed. Lunch can still be stressful for kids. To help my kids manage any stress that accumulates at school, and help bridge the school-home gap, I turn to the science of laughter. Laughter can reduce stress, help you live longer and help you connect and bond with others.

Since my kids started school, I've tried to make lunch time special for them while they're away. Sometimes I tuck in little notes saying things like, "Hope you're having a great day!" Other times I turn to printable jokes "What did the duck say to the comedian?" "You really quack me up!" But this past year I've changed it up a bit with the old banana trick.

It's quite simple and from what I hear, a huge hit at school. Take a toothpick and use it to lightly write on a banana skin. You won't notice much of a change, but by lunch time your message is revealed. 

It's a silly magic trick that my kids absolutely love.

As an extra bonus, I like to include a bit of irony. So I draw a banana doing something on a banana. My kids think it's hilarious.

Will my trick solve the problem of which table to sit at or whatever difficulties my children encounter that day? No. But, maybe, just maybe, it'll make those tough days a little happier.

For more playful stories from Jennifer visit www.classic-play.com/.