I used to be the mom who meticulously planned meals and pinned countless recipes on Pinterest. There was a time when I enjoyed cooking and presenting lovely dishes on pristine platters with oversized utensils. But that was before my kids could express their opinions.
I once envisioned a future where I would be in the kitchen, serenely preparing a perfectly roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes, the aroma filling the air as everyone around the table expressed their gratitude. However, reality took a different turn. Who would have guessed I’d end up with three mini food critics, whose tastes change by the hour?
One minute, my children are raving about tacos, requesting extra cheese and my special seasoning. They devour them with enthusiasm, and I feel a sense of accomplishment. But when I plan to make tacos again, I hear them moan, “Tacos suck” because I’ve made them too often.
The same goes for frozen pizza or chicken nuggets. At first, they’re thrilled, but soon they crave something more sophisticated. Just the other day, my son asked for steak and potatoes, only to complain that the steak was “too chewy” and the cheese on the potatoes “didn’t melt right.”
If you believe that kids outgrow their picky eating habits, think again. If yours have, congratulations! I’m too exhausted to ask how you did it. Luckily, I’ve stumbled upon a better approach.
Now, I shop for a variety of items, from frozen meals to fresh produce, ensuring we always have staples like bread and pasta. During dinnertime, they can create whatever they want.
I’m done trying to cater to their ever-changing preferences. My dreams of having a kitchen that resembles a gourmet restaurant are gone, and honestly, I don’t mind. My kids are old enough to prepare their own meals, and they know that their whims can change from morning to evening.
We still gather for dinner, which I cherish, but I enjoy it much more when I don’t have to worry about complaints regarding the garlic bread or pasta. I’ve stopped cooking meals they might love one week, only to hear them declare they’re “over it” the next.
Now, I let them fend for themselves while I simply provide the essentials, set a time for dinner, and make what I feel like eating. We call it Whatever Night, and it’s a game changer. I can’t recommend it enough!
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Summary:
I’ve adopted a new dinnertime strategy with my teens that allows them to choose their meals, freeing me from the stress of trying to please their ever-changing tastes. Instead of preparing meals they may not appreciate, I provide the basics and let them decide. We still enjoy family dinners together, but now it’s on their terms, making the experience much more enjoyable for everyone.
Keyphrase: dinnertime strategy for teens
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