You can’t do everything. And early on in my parenthood, I realized that I was completely burnt out trying to be the perfect mom. One of the first things I gave up to regain my sanity? Instead of trying to cook three meals from scratch for my family every day while raising kids, working, and cleaning.
Honestly, if you’re in the parenting business, it’s better to have some incredibly easy staples on hand and be able to make them in minutes.
On Reddit, one parent wanted to crowdsource ideas for easier meals. do not have I’m playing.
“Tell me one of the easiest and healthiest kids dinners!!! If there’s a cutting board involved, it’s too hard. If you’re blending something, it’s way too hard. If even one pot or pan is involved, I’m still listening, but I doubt it.”
I love this. I’m glad no one is ranting here. We don’t want any confusion. We don’t want effort. No tableware required. Fill your stomach and move on.
Posters also gave examples of their favorite easy kids meals. “Microwave a sweet potato. Scoop out the insides. Microwave a can of chili. Mix together. Meal!”
The comments section was filled with comments from parents.
First of all, all the “kids charcuterie” listed, although the names vary, such as “snack dinners” and “muffin tin dinners.” You are probably familiar with this. It’s a bunch of little snacks on a plate that requires very little cutting or effort. Hell, I still eat this at more meals than I care to admit.
Here are some great ideas for kids dinners you can get together.
“A rotisserie chicken from Costco, a bag of 90-second rice from Aldi, a bag of frozen veggies. I serve everything straight from the bag onto my plate.”
“Quesadilla. Don’t cut it.”
“I ate it with a fried egg, half an avocado, and seasoned seaweed on top of rice, and drizzled with a little soy sauce and sesame oil.”
“Make chicken nuggets in the air fryer. Slice the peppers. Just do it by hand. No cutting board required.”
“Frozen pot stickers + broccoli + microwave frozen sticky rice”
“Frozen meatballs and instant mashed potatoes. Add vegetables if you’d like.”
“Cut the naan, hummus, and cucumber.”
“Tomato can soup and cheese toast”
“I buy a rotisserie chicken from the local supermarket and put it in a taco shell with guacamole and shredded cheese.”
“I microwave Trader Joe’s orange chicken, a bag of frozen broccoli, and a bag of rice in the microwave.”
“Pizza Chicken. A breaded chicken patty. Half baked, then flipped and baked for the second half with pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese. Serve with rice, pasta, macaroni and cheese, or frozen vegetables.”
“I’d like to have oatmeal with peanut butter and some chocolate or banana (I just want to munch on it).”
“Pig in a Blanket”
“We call it ‘Mac and Peas.’ Pour frozen peas into a box of Annie’s or Goodles.”
I hope you all find some good ideas there. Or at least I hope you feel better about parenting and meal planning. The days of keeping children alive continue.
