How to Have a Stress-Free Family Meal

After a long day of working, the last thing you need is a stressful dinner time. Family meals can be exhausting and stressful events, but they don't have to be. Follow these simple steps and your family can be on its way to a meal time that is simple, fun and stress-free.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Weekly meal plan
• Stocked pantry

1. Plan ahead. If you plan your meals at least a week in advance then you will save a lot of time. You only have to go to the store once a week, and it removes the stress of racking your brain nightly to come up with something for dinner.

2. Stock the pantry. It is a good idea to have your pantry stocked at all times with the ingredients for a couple of your family's favorite meals. That way, if you have yet to get to the store that week, you don't have to worry about it.

3. Focus on your kids. It is practically impossible to prepare dinner when your kids are hanging on you and vying for your attention. Before you start dinner spend at least 10 minutes of quality time with your children. Play with them and be silly. This will set a mood for the rest of the evening of fun and togetherness, instead of whining and frustration. If your children are hungry then offer a high protein snack to hold them over until supper time.

4. Get prep help. Let your kids help you prepare dinner by being your "assistant chefs." You can have them set the table and do simple prep work like shredding lettuce or stirring a bowl.

5. Set a calming and stress-free mood. Turn off the television and turn on some soft music. Dim the lights, and put away--or at least out of sight-- stacks of bills or laundry or anything you don't want to think about during your family dinner.

6. Serve the same meal to everyone without discussion. If you have an extremely picky eater then serve them the same meal as everyone else, along with a portion of their regular food. Let them decided what they will or won't eat.

7. Keep the table discussion light and fun. Have each family member say what good things happened to them that day or play games. What is important is that your family is bonding, and your children are getting the proven benefits of this together time.

8. Clean up together. Even toddlers can carry their own forks to the kitchen. If everyone pitches in then you can enjoy the rest of the evening with your family instead of being stuck in the kitchen with a pile of dishes.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix it up occasionally by serving breakfast for dinner, or by having a picnic on the living room floor.
• Play restaurant and let your family choose from a short menu of choices. Keep the kids busy while you prepare their choices by giving them place mats to color.
• If your family is very busy or has a strange schedule don't feel like dinner as a family is your only option. Get together for lunch or breakfast, just make sure to give yourselves plenty of time.

Resources

• Resources for Meal Planning on RealSimple.com
• Family Dinner Games on FamilyTimeFun.com
• Additional Advice on What'sforDinner.net
• Stress-Free Menus on Better Homes and Gardens Online

[CCrock]

on 12/13/2007 Great ideas! Thank you for sharing.