Pandora’s box.

So my son started school. He had a reasonably smooth transition. Few teething pains here and there, easily disregarded.

This story however begins few months before he started school.  I had a hurdle to cross. Given the fact that I am a relatively short person with average limb lengths, the hurdle seemed massive.  I had a simple task to master –“the art of packing the perfect lunchbox”. When you think about it, it seems trivial. When you actually do it, you cry. Period.

Checkpoints to this task are:

1.     

•   It It has to be non messy. You cannot expect a four and half year old not to spill. Kids are spill-monsters. So it needs to be compact and dry. I zoom in on wraps (roti, chappathi, falafel bread) and sandwiches.

• 2.       It has to appeal to the child. Thankfully, here’s a trick I inherited from my mom. The moment the food is ready, start modelling for it. Trot along singing praises about it. Kids are easily impressionable you see. By the time the child opens his lunchbox in school, all he remembers is the aura you have created. Needless to say, this depends upon your modelling skills!

• 3.       It has to be healthy. Ok. So here is the catch. How many of this healthy stuff actually appeal to our senses- I mean, be honest! Sometimes the so called good food makes me wish I was born without the sense of smell and taste. Quite an irresponsible thing to say. But at the end of the day, the truth is - what appeals to your tongue does not appeal to the rest of your body. A major design flaw, I say! Thankfully, there is a way out here. I tend to “Indianise” everything. Spice it up, people..  Jai ho!!

• 4.       And then, last but not the least- the new ghost in town, food allergies. I did a “round” of research. Could not complete the “round” though. Left it mid way. The interim reports gave me nightmares. For a sneak peak, current food –turned- toxins are nuts (all kinds), eggs, gluten, kiwi fruit (I’m not kidding), milk, dairy products.  One mother even told me that chicken is banned in schools.  This made me think – correction – stopped my thinking. What was the point, there was no solution to this puzzle. Well, why should this bother you if your child is not allergic to any of these, Correct? Incorrect! Little children tend to pick from their friends’ lunchboxes.  Now look at the picture again. See the difference?  **

On the first day of school, I went in with no presumptions at all. I had made up my mind – if nothing else works, I pack bread –jam sandwich, so he eats something. After school, when he is home, I would give him a proper meal!  

And then my guardian angel appeared. She came in a red and black dress, hair neatly done, sweet smile on her face – one of his teachers. I casually ask her – “Is there any food that is not allowed?”.  She says “No, none at all. You can send him anything for lunch.” [Implying – none of the kids in his class have any food allergies].

I cried – nearly.

** When we were kids, these allergies were practically unheard of.  Now, it is gaining epidemic proportions. Why does this happen? That is a topic outside the scope of this story.