How to Make Time for Home Cooked Meals
I never thought that I would miss being able to cook a meal. Before having children I had time to cook meals if I wanted to, but often my husband and I would eat out. After having our baby eating out became a little more difficult. We were forced to cook more at home, although I didn't feel like I had the time. Don't underestimate the power of a home-cooked meal and how well it'll make you feel.
How To Find Time with Littles
Baby Wearing -
When baby was real little 3 months and under oftentimes I would wear him around the house. This actually gave you time to cook as he napped in his carrier. He didn’t mind baby wearing and actually seemed to enjoy being close to me. Around the 4-5 month point, things evolve and he didn't want to be in his carrier as often. Also, he started to get quite heavy.
Nap Time -
If you have an awesome napper, you are a lucky one! Use that time to prep some food, make some meals. It doesn’t have to be much. Slice veggies or fruit to make thing easier on yourself later.
I didn’t have an awesome napper. We were lucky to get 30 minutes. He favored tummy time on the floor. But let's face it who can blame him. This meant that those precious times that I had to cook kind of went away. He had longer wake windows and shorter naps. I won't complain though because he always slept through the night.
Let them help or spend time in the kitchen with you -
When your little is old enough start to engage them in the kitchen. Now that we are at the nine month mark, he spends lot of time in the kitchen with me either crawling around or in his walker. This makes getting back into the kitchen more pleasurable and fun. I’m always curious to see what he shows interest in and wants to help with or taste test.
It's on a night like tonight where I was able to make a meal for myself which he also was able to enjoy as he's transitioned to eating solids. Don’t underestimate the joy and pleasure of a simple home-cooked meal. It wasn't anything fancy. We made chicken tenders, sweet potato fries, and refried beans. All things that baby loves as well as myself. Here's to not fussing over what's for dinner and keeping things simple to feed your family.
I'm always interested in what others make on the weeknights to keep things simple and quick. Please share your favorite go-to meals on busy weeknights.
