To Lunchbox or Not to Lunchbox; To Backpack is Human?

It's what I always look for on the first day of school. Little children, usually preschoolers, lumbering across the parking lot, down the hallway, across the street -- barely managing to move because they've got a too-big backpack on their back and a not necessary lunchbox in their hands. One wayward breeze and you know that child is going to tip over!

For me the humor comes in, not because I like to see little kids struggle, but because in most cases the preschooler doesn't need a lunchbox or a backpack. When my daughter started preschool last year, she insisted on bringing both -- never mind that she didn't have anything to put in the backpack and since her preschool was for two hours in the morning, she wasn't there for lunch!

So why bring a backpack or lunchbox? At some schools, particularly where the children will be there all day, a backpack is required and necessary. But for those kids going only two or three times a week for a few hours at a time, it's more or less wanting to be like the big kids. (Or maybe she's a "Hello Kitty" fan and just wants to express herself.)

A child carrying a backpack to preschool can actually benefit parents. I would keep a change of clothing (as a just in case) in my daughter's pack as well as a folder for when we got some important papers to bring home like notices from the school or birthday party invitations. If we had something scheduled for immediately after school like a play date at the park or a doctor's appointment, I actually would pack her a lunch in the lunchbox for a quick on-the-go meal.

For those preschoolers reluctant to start school, a backpack is the perfect home for a little comfort -- maybe a small stuffed animal or a photo of the family. It's also a great way to get kids thinking about starting preschool. You might not need a lot of school supplies just yet, but going shopping for a backpack is the perfect opportunity to hit the back-to-school sales.

Retailers have jumped right into this market, introducing smaller packs in cheerful designs and colors that promise to be less-awkward and have better proportions for little bodies.

What's your take on backpacks and lunchboxes for preschoolers?

For more great back-to-school tips for kids of all ages, check out the About.com All About Parenting Blog Carnival, graciously hosted by my colleague Christy Matte, the Guide to Family Computing.