As summer drew to a close, I shifted into high gear to prepare for the upcoming school year. With four kids, it was clear that a relaxed approach just wouldn’t cut it. Anticipating the stress ahead, I had a lightbulb moment: why not create a structured meal and snack schedule for my family? Fast forward a few weeks into the school year, and I’m thrilled to share that our meal plan is working like a charm! Not only have we eliminated daily mealtime chaos, but everyone knows what to expect, reducing complaints—a true win for parents!
If this sounds intriguing and you’re eager to create a harmonious kitchen atmosphere, here’s how to develop a similar schedule.
Compile a Food Dislike List
First, make a detailed list of foods your family simply won’t eat. This may require some interviews with each family member. For instance, one of my kids detests pears and broccoli, while another can’t stand pineapple. We’ve also got a little one who believes chickpeas are the work of the devil! Be sure to note any food sensitivities or allergies as well as specific brands or flavors that are off-limits.
Create a Food “Like” Brainstorming List
After documenting dislikes, it’s time to focus on what your family enjoys. Organize this list into categories: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and perhaps even desserts. Don’t worry if your meals are more buffet-style—like taco night—where everyone builds their own plate from available ingredients. Just keep those disliked foods off the table!
Develop a Schedule
Crafting a meal schedule takes some effort, but it’s worth it. Refer to your likes and dislikes and outline meals that your family will look forward to. I aimed for ten meals, including options like tacos, Asian-inspired rice bowls, and simple frozen dinners, along with breakfast-for-dinner nights. Coming up with ten mutually agreeable meals was a challenge, but once I did, I scheduled them alongside seven snack options.
Don’t Forget to Double Up
When preparing meals, try to double the portions to ensure there are leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Occasionally, I even quadruple recipes, particularly soups and chili, and stash extras in the freezer. If my kids can’t take leftovers to school, I prepare a pasta salad for the week, loaded with veggies, protein, and a drizzle of olive oil, paired with a piece of fruit. So far, so good!
Be Kind to Yourself
It’s completely fine if your meal plans aren’t gourmet. Sometimes simplicity is best, and a little creativity goes a long way. If you can compile a list of meals and snacks, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back! If something doesn’t work out, feel free to scratch it and try a different option.
Involve the Complainers
Regardless of how stellar your meal schedule is, complaints may still arise. Encourage your kids to pitch in with new recipe ideas and participate in grocery shopping and kitchen cleanup. Assigning them specific kitchen duties fosters teamwork and helps them feel invested in the meal process. If you have a partner, collaborate on grocery shopping and meal prep—my husband usually handles the grocery runs while we share cooking responsibilities.
Reduce Waste and Save Money
One major benefit of having a meal schedule is that we waste significantly less food, which also means saving money. It took a little trial and error to determine the right quantities to buy, but now we’ve got a system that works. This has freed up some budget for occasional dining out or splurging on special treats, like that delicious but pricey ice cream we love.
Stay Open to Change
As the weather cools, I plan to swap out some regular meals for comforting slow cooker recipes, soups, and chilis that provide great leftovers. If a meal or snack no longer resonates with your family, don’t hesitate to replace it with something new. Weekends are perfect for trying out new recipes together!
I’m genuinely pleased with how effortlessly we’ve organized our family 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 food waste, and most importantly, alleviating a significant source of stress!
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Summary
Creating a meal and snack schedule for my family has transformed our kitchen into a more organized and harmonious space. By identifying food preferences, developing a structured plan, and involving the kids, we’ve minimized waste and saved money while enjoying mealtime together.
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