Here’s a funny story about parenting three kids – when one of them goes viral after a story about toasters, Pop Tarts and food banks…
It all started with my first tweet:
Apparently my kid got in trouble today for PACKING OUR TOASTER IN HIS BACKPACK and pulling it out at lunch to make pop tarts for his class. I can’t stop laughing.
Ok, I heard that the teacher actually only told him not to “make a habit of it.” So I wonder how many times makes a habit? I also wonder if I should hide the popcorn popper…
Then I got a bit more detail of the incident: he took his backpack to the lunchroom, found a spot by an outlet, pulled out the toaster, set it on the seat next to him and proceeded to toast pop tarts and pass them around. We only had enough at home for his table. He didn’t charge.
Honestly, that toaster is on its last legs. I’m not sure how it survived the trip.
I bought those #PopTarts because our kitchen is being repaired and all our meals are coming from the microwave and the toaster at the moment. I guess he saw how many we had and figured we had plenty to share!
This child of mine is 13 years old, a man of few words, a bit of a prankster and yet very sweet. A few years ago someone gave him $100 as a gift when he started cancer treatment. He asked to go buy Lego sets that he could give to other kids in the hospital.
Five years later, he’s just as sweet – and no signs of the cancer.
This story really captured him and I’m glad everyone is enjoying it! I know it’s getting a lot of attention so if you want to go donate some pop tarts or something else to your local food pantry, we would love that! Food banks have gotten our family through some rough times. I used to walk there with my toddlers in a little red wagon and load up on food. If you are able, donate, if you’re not, please know that I get it. I’ve been there. It’s okay to be on that side too.
Foodbank link: https://give.mofc.org/Default.aspx?tsid=18866
Then many people started to re-share these tweets about my son and the toaster….
Wow, I was absolutely floored by the kind words and generosity! I just heard the MidOhio food bank site may have crashed, but here’s another spot in my neighborhood that you can give to!
https://gladdenhouse.salsalabs.org/donate0/index.html
People have asked how no one noticed. It’s easier if you could see a photo of the sad little toaster compared to his huge middle school backpack.
Talked to the teacher at the school today finally. He definitely said he does not encourage the behaviour but he also was laughing. I probably shouldn’t buy him a larger toaster then…
My friends have told me I would be an idiot not to mention that my debut novel comes out next year with @QuillTreeBooks (@HarperCollins). It’s a MG story about growing up, standing up to unjust systems and finding agency. Also, there may be some fun school antics.
Wow, this is still blowing up! I can’t keep up but thx everyone for your donations to food banks! I’d respond to more comments but I’m surrounded by suitcases (family trip tomorrow) & there are workers fixing our kitchen and I kinda wish he’d done this at a less busy time!
@PopTartsUS has contacted me about sending Pop Tarts to the school AND making a generous donation to No Kid Hungry. I’m crying.
Btw, since so many of you have asked if he’s running for class president: His school doesn’t have that but my 9th grader @gracielasstone won their student council election this morning! As a mom of three I am obligated to share this. Also I recently tweeted the brilliant mystery novel opening my youngest (10) wrote, so I won’t repeat it. (But she does have a BookTok.)
Parenting three kids when one goes viral is a balancing act!
Link to tweet:
https://twitter.com/elisastoneleahy/status/1514357412735684608?s=21&t=OgX_5ykrSj0rUBSeA-xbyg
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