If your kid is nervous or sad about returning to school, put an encouraging note in their lunchbox, says Sulhee Jessica Woo, author of Let's Make Some Lunch: Recipes Made with Love for Everyone. 

“I like to keep it relevant to what we're going through,” she says. For example, when her daughter had to do an academic assessment at the beginning of the school year, Woo included a note that said, “I know you'll do great in your testing. Just try your best.” 

And if you’re looking to mix up your kid’s lunchbox menu, check out these fun ideas from Woo (sausage French toast rollups, anyone?). 
 

Do you lean optimistic or pessimistic? Take this quiz and find out. A glass-half-full outlook can keep you engaged and hopeful in hard times. Take this quiz to find out your level of optimism, then learn how to train yourself to become more optimistic. 

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