Sometimes feeding your kids—especially picky eaters—while feeding yourself can feel like you’re a short order cook. If you have postpartum nutrition needs, perimenopause protein goals, kids with food allergies or simply don’t want to eat the same foods as your kids, cooking two meals may be the norm.
But this isn’t the only way to do things, says Kacie Barnes MCN, RDN, LD, who is the creator behind Mama Knows Nutrition, and advisor to Jennifer Garner’s Once Upon a Farm baby and toddler food brand. A mom to two picky eaters herself, she says that she hears this struggle from moms regularly—and can relate. “Have you ever found yourself craving a big, fresh, green salad for dinner but your children only want….mac and cheese? You’re not alone,” says Barnes.
Here are Barnes’ best tips—and cooking twice isn’t one of them.
- Serve things deconstructed
If you have picky kids that don’t like mixed dishes (this is common!), but you still want the ease of serving everyone the same meal, try serving their dinner broken down into components. Maybe they like the chicken and beans from the taco salad, but they would never touch the lettuce or bell peppers. That’s okay!
- Try family style meals
You may be surprised to learn that focusing on the “how” of feeding can be just as impactful as deciding on “what.” And kids love to be in charge. When you serve a meal family style versus plating it for them directly, they get more control. If they’re little, they obviously may need some help and guidance, but I bet their face will light up at getting to do it like a big kid. When there’s less pressure, sometimes they get more interested in trying things they otherwise wouldn’t.
- Make your dinner, and offer some safe sides
Hear me when I say: You don’t need to cook an entirely separate meal for them every night. If they don’t like what you made for dinner, that’s okay! You’re never going to please everyone (which you already know on a deep level). So don’t hold yourself to an impossible standard. It’s important for them to learn that they won’t get their favorite every single night–that’s part of learning to be *flexible.* Your job is to make sure that there are 1-2 “safe” foods that you know they like.
To maximize the efficiency, make these foods low- or no-prep. You can absolutely offer a dinner roll and some cubed avocado as side options.
- Make lunch your “you” meal
Something I got in the habit of doing a few months ago was using lunchtime as my “me” time. Meaning, I can happily eat the foods no one else likes for lunch without having to listen to anyone whine about it. I have this one white bean potato soup recipe I’m obsessed with, so I love to make a batch and eat it for my lunches that week. I get it all to myself, and I feel like I’ve filled my cup.
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Why Chores Are Great for Kids—And How to Use Them to Parent More Effectively