I used to dive into Pinterest, pinning recipes like a pro. There was a period when I genuinely enjoyed cooking and presenting beautiful meals on pristine white platters with shiny, oversized spoons. That was before my kids could voice their opinions.
I once imagined myself in the kitchen, serenely basting a perfectly roasted chicken with rosemary potatoes, while my home smelled like a five-star restaurant. I envisioned my family appreciating every bite. But reality had other plans. Who would have guessed that I’d raise three little food critics with ever-changing tastes?
One moment, my kids are all about tacos—extra cheese and my special seasoning, please! My oldest can’t get enough taco sauce, and I think, “This is fantastic! A meal we all enjoy that doesn’t aggravate my bad shoulder, and no leftovers to deal with.” So, I head to the store, feeling accomplished and prepared to make tacos again the next week, only to be met with the dreaded declaration of “tacos suck.” Turns out, I was overdoing it.
The same goes for frozen pizza or chicken nuggets—initially adored, then quickly deemed unworthy of their refined palates. Just the other day, my son asked for steak and potatoes, only to criticize that the steak was “too chewy,” and the cheese on the potatoes “didn’t melt right.”
If you think your kids will outgrow their picky eating habits, think again. If they have, kudos to you! I’m too drained to ask how you managed it. Instead, I’ve discovered a better approach.
I stock up on a variety of groceries, from frozen meals to fresh fruits and veggies, ensuring we always have essentials like bread, rice, and pasta on hand. Now, during dinnertime, they can whip up whatever they desire.
I’m over it. I’m tired of slaving away in the kitchen only to hear complaints about meals they once craved. No more eating leftovers in a rush, feeling like I’m wasting money.
My dreams of a kitchen that smells like it was graced by Martha Stewart are long gone. I no longer care. My kids are old enough to prepare their meals. They can dream of pizza in the morning but change their minds by dinner—let them figure that out!
We still gather for dinner, a tradition I cherish for family bonding. However, it’s much more enjoyable without the constant complaints about the garlic bread’s texture or the pasta’s doneness. I no longer have to witness them drown their grilled chicken in ranch dressing, only to declare they are “over chicken” after a few bites.
So, I’ve stopped trying to cater to everyone’s tastes. My kids fend for themselves, and I only need to purchase the basics, set a dinner time, and make whatever I feel like eating. We call it Whatever Night, and it’s a game changer. I highly recommend it!
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In summary, I’ve embraced a new dinnertime philosophy that allows my teens to take charge of their meals. By stocking the kitchen with basics and giving them choices, I’ve eliminated the stress of preparing meals they may not appreciate. Our family dinners remain a cherished time, now free from the pressure of pleasing everyone’s taste buds.
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