As summer drew to a close, I ramped up my preparations for the school year. With four kids, it was clear that a laid-back approach wouldn’t cut it, especially since I anticipated an even more hectic school year ahead. That’s when inspiration struck: why not devise a meal and snack schedule for our family?
Now that we’re a few weeks into the school year, I’m thrilled to share that the schedule has been nothing short of magical. No more daily chaos over meal decisions! Everyone knows what to expect, and complaints have significantly decreased—an absolute win for us parents. If you’re interested in creating a more harmonious kitchen environment, here’s how to set up a schedule similar to ours.
Create a Food Dislike List
First things first, jot down the foods your family refuses to eat—be specific! Interviewing each family member can help. For instance, I have one child who dislikes pears and broccoli, another who detests pineapple, and one who thinks chickpeas are the worst. This isn’t our entire list, of course! Also, make sure to note any food allergies or sensitivities, as well as brands or flavors your family isn’t fond of.
Develop a Food “Like” Brainstorming List
After noting dislikes, it’s time to brainstorm foods, meals, and snacks that everyone enjoys. Categorize your list into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. If you have a dessert category, include that too! You can keep meals more generic for buffet-style nights, like taco night, where each person builds their own. Just remember to steer clear of those disliked foods! Perfection isn’t the goal; it’s about getting organized for your schedule.
Create the Schedule
Crafting a meal schedule requires some effort but is well worth it. Review your like and dislike lists, and start planning meals and snacks for rotation. I aimed for ten meals—think tacos, Asian-inspired rice bowls, pasta, easy frozen dinners, grilled meals for weekends, and breakfast-for-dinner options. It took me a while to agree on these meals, but once I settled on ten meals and seven snacks, I mapped out when to serve each.
Don’t Forget to Double Up
When preparing a meal, make extra for leftovers the next day. Sometimes I double or even quadruple a recipe and freeze portions, like soup or chili. If the kids can’t take leftovers to school, I prepare a week’s worth of pasta salad filled with veggies, protein, and olive oil, paired with fruit. So far, so good!
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s perfectly okay if your meal plans aren’t gourmet or traditional. Sometimes simplicity is best, and being creative deserves recognition. If you manage to compile a solid list of meals and snacks, celebrate with a well-deserved treat. If something doesn’t work out, simply remove it from the schedule and try something new.
Involve the Complainers
No matter how effective your meal schedule is, some complaints are inevitable. Encourage your kids to contribute ideas, help with grocery shopping, and participate in kitchen cleanup. They even have assigned days for tidying up! Teaching them teamwork is crucial in addressing their concerns. If you have a partner, assign grocery shopping and meal prep duties—my spouse handles the shopping, while we share meal prep responsibilities.
Reduce Waste and Save Money
One major benefit of having a meal schedule is the reduction in food waste, which translates to savings. It took time to figure out how much of each ingredient we needed, but through trial and error, we’ve developed a solid routine. This way, we have extra cash for occasional splurges, like that pricey ice cream we love.
Stay Open to Change
As fall approaches, I plan to swap some regular meals for slow cooker options, soups, and chilis, which make great leftovers. After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to a warm veggie soup waiting on the stove. If a meal or snack no longer suits your family, feel free to switch it up. Weekends are great for trying new recipes together!
I’m genuinely pleased with how easy it’s become to organize our family’s meals and snacks. The kids are no longer rummaging through the fridge or pantry, lamenting that there’s “nothing to eat.” We’re saving money, reducing waste, and most importantly, alleviating a major source of stress—pun intended.
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Summary
Creating a meal and snack schedule has transformed how my family manages mealtime. By listing food dislikes and likes, we’ve organized our meals efficiently, leading to less waste and more savings. Involving the kids in the process has also helped reduce complaints, making our kitchen a happier place. As we adapt our meals for the changing seasons, we’re excited to continue this journey of culinary organization.
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