'You deal with them': The messy lunchbox item teachers hate to see

“I don’t really wear nice things anymore because of these.” 

A teacher has exposed a hard truth about your child’s school lunchbox.

One common item that parents love—thanks to its convenience—is anything but convenient for teachers who have to assist children at lunchtime.

The woman took to TikTok to share the one lunchbox staple she’d love to see disappear.

“This is a PSA for parents that pack their children’s lunches,” she begins.

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"I don't really wear nice things anymore" 

Her first target might come as a shock—and it’s one you might remember from your own childhood.

“I love, love, love helping your child get their lunch settled and opening things for them. I don’t, however, particularly enjoy these little fruit cups,” she says, holding up a plastic cup filled with juicy syrup and chunks of fruit, sealed tightly with a plastic lid.

“They are actually impossible, parents,to open in the classroom without spilling them and getting syrupy, sticky juice all over my clothes,” she explains. 

@smilesamy70

I mean..literally impossible. #parentsoftiktok #kidslunches #teacher #parents #mom #dads #teachersbelike #fruitcup #psa#kindersmiles #school #lunch

♬ original sound - 🍎 #3rdgradesmiles 🍎

It’s happened so often that she’s had to rethink her wardrobe choices.

“I don’t really wear nice things anymore because of these fruit cups.”

While she understands their appeal, she believes there’s a better time and place for them.

“I know the children love them. However, I think they would be a fantastic snack for after school. At home,” she suggests.

Image: smilesamy70/TikTok

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"I am irrationally afraid of those" 

Turns out the struggle is so real that it's not just hers. 

Her comment section was flooded with support, with many echoing her frustration.

“Finally, someone tells parents how awful those are!” one commenter praised.

“That’s why they send it to us… so they don’t have to deal with it at home,” another joked.

“I am irrationally afraid of those. Like, I have to take a breath every time I open one from a kid,” a third admitted.

Other parents chimed in with their own clever solutions to avoid the mess.

“I always drain and put them in a little easy-open Tupperware container. I couldn’t imagine sending one unopened because of how messy they are!” one parent shared.

“I snip a small spot in them and let the kiddos drink, then open them,” another suggested.

And finally, one person provided a game-changing technique we all probably need to know.

“Make sure the air bubble where there is no juice is by the spot you open first, and that should keep it from spilling. That’s how I open them,” they explained. 

Someone get these teachers a medal - or a waterproof apron - for their fruit cup sacrifices! 

Originally published as 'You deal with them': The messy lunchbox item teachers hate to see