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My Son Was Shy So I Started Decorating His Lunch Bags To Help Him Break The Ice At School
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My Son Was Shy So I Started Decorating His Lunch Bags To Help Him Break The Ice At School

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My name is Dominick and I’m a dad in California. Usually, parents provide home lunches for their child and think their job is done. Not me. I took it a bit further. For about 4 years or so, I’ve been drawing on my son’s brown paper lunch bags when he takes them to school. And I have already decorated more than 550 bags so far.

Even though he’s in middle school now, he continues to take these decorated lunches to school. I’ve even had to do lunch bags for his soccer games when it’s our turn to bring snacks.

Some people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we like to think lunch is the most creative.

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    For about 4 years or so, I’ve been drawing on my son’s brown paper lunch bags when he takes them to school

    And I have already decorated more than 550 bags so far

    When my son was younger, my wife and I would sign him up for extra-curricular classes or summer fun, but he was fairly introverted and shy when meeting new students

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    I started doing these art pieces on his brown bagged lunches to help break the ice, and get conversations going

    It worked!

    Kids would come up to him and ask him about the artwork, and if the lunch art was some superhero, they’d have a conversation about the newest Marvel movie

    Or if it was an animal, they’d start talking about what animals were the coolest or roughest

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    He loved them so much, I started doing them for his school lunches during the regular school year, even though he knows the kids there

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    It gave him a chance to be the center of attention at least for a few minutes a day

    Sometimes I’ll draw bags on real-life figures, depending on what they’re learning in school, current events, an event we attended, or sports figures

    We absolutely love superhero movies, so I’ll usually draw the flavor of the month in a string of lunch bags

    On average, they take about an hour each, sometimes a little more if I get ambitious

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    I try not to take too long, and it goes by quick when you’re watching TV, or Netflix

    I’ll use paints, markers, and/or colored pencils until I get the desired effect.

    Even though he’s in middle school now, he continues to take these decorated lunches to school

    Over the years, he’s broken out of his shell when it comes to meeting other kids

    I like to think I’ve helped him do this through my artwork

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    He might not be the extroverted motivational speaker just yet, but he’s definitely not the loner sitting by himself in the corner

    He still requests the bags and I’m sure it’s a mental security blanket to know he won’t be at a loss for words when put into a new environment

    Some people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we like to think lunch is the most creative

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    DomNX

    DomNX

    Author, Community member

    Read more »

    Artist, father and procrastinator; not necessarily in that order.

    Read less »
    DomNX

    DomNX

    Author, Community member

    Artist, father and procrastinator; not necessarily in that order.

    What do you think ?
    Add photo comments
    POST
    Beth Arriaga
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best. Dad. Ever. "It only takes an hour or so". Sir, Your love and dedication will make the longest lasting impression on his life and knowing how much he is loved. Awesome.

    Birdgirl45
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But he doesn't have to be the extroverted motivational speaker, introverts are perfect

    Misterscooter
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Introverts are perfectly fine but this is a good way for him to exercise the other side so that he can use the extroverted traits when necessary.

    Load More Replies...
    Kimberly Robinson
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You, sir, are an excellent artist! More importantly, you are an incredible dad! I really admire you. A lot of parents would just shrug and say, "He'll grow out of being shy", but you took proactive steps. The lunch bag art is amazing! Oh, how I would love to have a Star Wars lunch bag, especially Princess Leia!

    sexy_scorpio_3MD
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is amazing!! Great job being a dad and supporting your son and helping to give him confidence! Amazing art work!! How long does it take you to do each one on average?! These are fantastic!!

    Serge
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very impressive to keep doing this every day. Where do you find the time to do so....

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Each bag takes about an hour to do. Easy when you’re just watching tv after dinner. After 550 bags, I’ve managed to distill it down to know where to focus the details.

    Load More Replies...
    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every time your son gets one of these bags he's reminded that no matter what happens with his shy a*s, dad's got his back. I'm sure that gives him a solid foundation to build on. Great stuff!

    Misterscooter
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks for explaining how much time it takes and for showing what you use to make this amazing artwork.

    Lucka
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genuine LOVE. I believe he should market his artwork ( very creative)

    Linda Hobart
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fabulous! What s wonderful idea. You created a safe and great atmosphere for him to make new friends. Kudos to you you talented parent!

    Caryl de Vries
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great stuff dad - these are masterpieces. Now we need to think of a way to preserve and display them! Great story

    Bernarda Gilbert
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful dad, big heart, and sensitive to your son’s growth and development. Congratulations on your beautiful artwork, and your son will follow your steps through what you have set forth.

    Bernarda Gilbert
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a wonderful dad. You are so awesome, you helped your son grow in such an ingenious and loving way as an artist. You are very talented, continued success and wishing only the best for your son, who will be such a wonderful example like his father.

    Stormtrooper A113
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is absolutely beautiful. Amazing work, and such a great way to help your child. You're the kind of person that changes the world. Keep doing what you do!

    Kiahna
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These NEED to be made in stores. Lots of people would love to have these for their lunch bags. And it would be an awesome conversation starter.

    Aud Wey
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are sooooo talented!!! And a very very good father!!! Your boy must be so proud, and so do you!

    Kristel Bijnen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, this is so awesome! You definitely deserve the Dad Of the Year award! What a beautiful way to help your son! As his dad, you know exactly how much help and what kind of drawings he needs. Excellent!! I'm sure he'll treasure these bags for the rest of his life! And when he looks at them (now and in the future too) he will always know who his real and favorite superhero is! Beautiful work!!

    Addie Tovera
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is freaking awesome, also, that's already way too much colored markers at the last pic to make me jealous.

    Yugan Talovich
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good work, but kids ought to learn how to solve problems themselves. When I was little, we moved around a lot, so I was always the shy new kid with the weird name. I am grateful to my parents by helping me by supporting me and letting me learn by myself, without adult interference, how to break the ice and get to know people.

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not going to his class and telling the kids to be his friend. I'm giving him the tools to instigate conversations. The same way you practice catching or kicking a soccer ball with a kid. The way you help a kid by teaching him to read or do math. I'm not playing the sport or taking the test for him. It's up to him to ask and answer questions about the bag.

    Load More Replies...
    Beth Arriaga
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Best. Dad. Ever. "It only takes an hour or so". Sir, Your love and dedication will make the longest lasting impression on his life and knowing how much he is loved. Awesome.

    Birdgirl45
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But he doesn't have to be the extroverted motivational speaker, introverts are perfect

    Misterscooter
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Introverts are perfectly fine but this is a good way for him to exercise the other side so that he can use the extroverted traits when necessary.

    Load More Replies...
    Kimberly Robinson
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You, sir, are an excellent artist! More importantly, you are an incredible dad! I really admire you. A lot of parents would just shrug and say, "He'll grow out of being shy", but you took proactive steps. The lunch bag art is amazing! Oh, how I would love to have a Star Wars lunch bag, especially Princess Leia!

    sexy_scorpio_3MD
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is amazing!! Great job being a dad and supporting your son and helping to give him confidence! Amazing art work!! How long does it take you to do each one on average?! These are fantastic!!

    Serge
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Very impressive to keep doing this every day. Where do you find the time to do so....

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Each bag takes about an hour to do. Easy when you’re just watching tv after dinner. After 550 bags, I’ve managed to distill it down to know where to focus the details.

    Load More Replies...
    Full Name
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Every time your son gets one of these bags he's reminded that no matter what happens with his shy a*s, dad's got his back. I'm sure that gives him a solid foundation to build on. Great stuff!

    Misterscooter
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Thanks for explaining how much time it takes and for showing what you use to make this amazing artwork.

    Lucka
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Genuine LOVE. I believe he should market his artwork ( very creative)

    Linda Hobart
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fabulous! What s wonderful idea. You created a safe and great atmosphere for him to make new friends. Kudos to you you talented parent!

    Caryl de Vries
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Great stuff dad - these are masterpieces. Now we need to think of a way to preserve and display them! Great story

    Bernarda Gilbert
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wonderful dad, big heart, and sensitive to your son’s growth and development. Congratulations on your beautiful artwork, and your son will follow your steps through what you have set forth.

    Bernarda Gilbert
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What a wonderful dad. You are so awesome, you helped your son grow in such an ingenious and loving way as an artist. You are very talented, continued success and wishing only the best for your son, who will be such a wonderful example like his father.

    Stormtrooper A113
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is absolutely beautiful. Amazing work, and such a great way to help your child. You're the kind of person that changes the world. Keep doing what you do!

    Kiahna
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These NEED to be made in stores. Lots of people would love to have these for their lunch bags. And it would be an awesome conversation starter.

    Aud Wey
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are sooooo talented!!! And a very very good father!!! Your boy must be so proud, and so do you!

    Kristel Bijnen
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow, this is so awesome! You definitely deserve the Dad Of the Year award! What a beautiful way to help your son! As his dad, you know exactly how much help and what kind of drawings he needs. Excellent!! I'm sure he'll treasure these bags for the rest of his life! And when he looks at them (now and in the future too) he will always know who his real and favorite superhero is! Beautiful work!!

    Addie Tovera
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is freaking awesome, also, that's already way too much colored markers at the last pic to make me jealous.

    Yugan Talovich
    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good work, but kids ought to learn how to solve problems themselves. When I was little, we moved around a lot, so I was always the shy new kid with the weird name. I am grateful to my parents by helping me by supporting me and letting me learn by myself, without adult interference, how to break the ice and get to know people.

    Community Member
    6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not going to his class and telling the kids to be his friend. I'm giving him the tools to instigate conversations. The same way you practice catching or kicking a soccer ball with a kid. The way you help a kid by teaching him to read or do math. I'm not playing the sport or taking the test for him. It's up to him to ask and answer questions about the bag.

    Load More Replies...
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