Episode 96 Back To School Dinnertime Tips
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Back to school time is especially exciting this year after six months at home. We have had a six-month rest. Everything has had a slower pace and I know my family got used to this pace. Going back to school means adding stress. It may be good stress, but it is stress. That means our energy and our kids’ energy is going to be in short supply for a few weeks as we make the transition of back to school.
I encourage you to take your energy into consideration these next few weeks when planning dinner. Keep it as simple as you can. Try your best to serve familiar foods. Now is not the time to try and get your kids to expand their pallets.
Your kids will likely be extra-tired. You may want to consider moving up dinnertime so they can get to bed earlier. I am considering swapping after school snack and dinner. If I serve dinner right after school and my kids end up going to bed super early it is not a big deal. I know they will need the extra rest so their brains can manage all the transitions.
Be kind to yourself and schedule some breaks from cooking. This can come in many forms. You can serve hot dogs or frozen meal kits like Trader Joes Orange Chicken. You can use paper plates, or get take out. My mother is having us over once a week and that gives me a break from cooking. I predict there will be lots of families ordering pizza this weekend. That’s okay! Plan for it!
It is important as a parent to conserve your energy too. Rather than putting lots of effort into making elaborate meals, go simple so you can have the time to focus on your children. They need you during this time of transition and you want to be able to give them all the time they need as they go back to school this year.
Links from this episode.
Episode 95 – Back to School Lunches Even When School Looks Different
Full episode transcript can be found here.
