I Created a Meal and Snack Schedule for My Family, and It Works Like a Charm

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As summer drew to a close, I knew it was time to ramp up my preparations for the school year. With four kids, a laid-back approach just wasn’t feasible. I anticipated this school year would bring its own set of challenges, perhaps even more than last year. That’s when I had an epiphany: what if I established a meal and snack schedule for my family and actually adhered to it?

Now that we’re a few weeks into the school year, I’m thrilled to share that our meal schedule has been a game changer. Gone are the days of daily chaos over what to feed the kids; everyone now knows what to expect. The schedule has significantly reduced complaints, which is a definite win for any parent. If you’re intrigued and want to create a happier kitchen atmosphere, here’s how to make a schedule like ours.

Compile a List of Food Dislikes

Yes, you read that right! Create a list of foods your family absolutely refuses to eat, and be specific. If needed, ask each family member for their input. For instance, one of my kids will not touch pears or broccoli, another detests pineapple, and yet another thinks chickpeas are the worst. (This is just a snippet of our long list.) Be sure to note any food allergies or sensitivities as well, along with brands or flavors that don’t go over well.

Brainstorm a List of Food Likes

Once you’ve noted the dislikes, it’s time to compile a list of foods, meals, and snacks that your family enjoys. Organize your list by categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. If you’re like us, a dessert category might be necessary too. It’s perfectly acceptable to have more generic meals, like taco night, where everyone can customize their own dish. Just remember to steer clear of those disliked foods! This list doesn’t have to be flawless; it’s merely a brainstorming session to help you get organized.

Develop a Meal Schedule

Creating a meal schedule requires some effort, but it’s truly worth your time. Review your food dislike and like lists, then start planning meals and snacks to include in your rotation. I aimed for ten meals, which consisted of tacos, Asian-inspired rice bowls, pasta, frozen meal nights, grilled dinners (for weekends), and breakfast-for-dinner options. This took some time as finding ten agreeable meals isn’t a walk in the park! Once I settled on those ten meals and seven snacks, I began to map out when we’d enjoy each one.

Remember to Cook Extra

When you prepare a meal, try to double the recipe for leftovers, if possible. Sometimes, I even quadruple a dish and freeze half for later—particularly with soups and chili. My kids can’t always take leftovers to school, so I whip up a batch of pasta salad that includes veggies, protein, and a drizzle of olive oil for their lunches, paired with a fruit. So far, so good!

Be Kind to Yourself

It’s perfectly fine if your meal plans aren’t gourmet or conventional. Sometimes, simplicity is best, and creativity deserves recognition. If you manage to compile enough meals and snacks, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and perhaps a glass of wine. If a meal or snack doesn’t pan out, feel free to scrap it and try something new.

Involve the Complainers

No matter how stellar your meal schedule is, expect some complaints. I encourage my kids to contribute their own recipe ideas, help with grocery shopping, and take turns cleaning the kitchen. I want them to learn teamwork and how to be part of the solution instead of just complaining. If you have a partner, designate who will handle grocery shopping and meal prep. In our household, my partner buys the groceries, and we share the cooking duties based on availability.

Reduce Waste and Save Money

One of the biggest benefits of maintaining a meal schedule is that we waste far less food than before, which translates to savings. It took us some time to figure out how much of each ingredient to buy, but through trial and error, we now have a solid plan that leaves us with leftover funds for occasional dining out and special treats, like that indulgent pint of ice cream we adore.

Stay Flexible

As the fall chill sets in, I plan to rotate in some slow cooker meals, soups, and chilis. These dishes often make excellent leftovers and freeze well. After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to a pot of veggie soup ready to serve. If a meal or snack is no longer working for your family, feel free to replace it with something new. Weekends can be a great time to experiment with new recipes together.

I’m genuinely thrilled with how easy it has become to manage our family meals and snacks. There’s much less of the kids rummaging through the fridge or pantry, lamenting that there’s “nothing to eat.” We’re saving money, minimizing food waste, and most importantly, relieving ourselves of a past source of stress—pun intended.

For more insights on family meal planning and organization, check out this other blog post. If you’re interested in the journey of home insemination, Make a Mom offers some excellent resources on the topic as well. Additionally, Healthline provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, creating a meal and snack schedule has transformed the way my family approaches mealtime. This simple yet effective strategy has reduced chaos, cut down on complaints, and allowed us to enjoy our meals together without the stress of daily decisions.

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