My New Year’s Resolution

This year, I decided to publicly declare my new year’s resolution to cook more. I have always enjoyed cooking. In the past, cooking was relaxing…then came two kids. Now, dinnertime is chaos particularly on the days that I work. My two year old is tired from a long day of school and my nine-month-old just wants to cuddle. I can try to cook, but I have to endure my son screaming because he wants to be held and my daughter getting herself into trouble. I delay cooking until my husband gets home which is sometimes too late to make anything besides sandwiches. I miss hot, healthy, home cooked meals.

My resolution is to make at least three home cooked meals a week – and sandwiches don’t count.

Whatever resolutions you’ve made, breaking them down into simple steps will help.  Here is my plan:

Use the slow cooker once a week. Several of my friends with young kids seem to cook all the time. I asked them how they find time and they all said they use their slow cooker.

Prepare freezer meals. Freezer meals are a great way to do the cooking when it’s convenient for you.  You can use the weekend to prepare several meals that can go from the freezer to the oven.  I just got a new cookbook with some fabulous looking recipes. To make it more fun, I’m going to recruit a friend to make some meals with me. I’ve always wanted to do this but perhaps this public declaration will help me actually make this happen.

Find ways to keep the kids entertained. I’ve decided that a little TV is okay. My daughter is exhausted after a full day at school. Letting her watch one thirty minute TV program is not the worst thing in the world if it helps her unwind and helps me get a healthy dinner on the table. As for my cuddly son, I’m still working on a way to keep him content as I cook.

Recruit my daughter’s help in making dinner. I’m learning that my two-year-old is capable of more than I think. She likes to get out napkins and bring dirty dishes to the counter. She still needs a lot of guidance – oftentimes the napkins make a stop on the floor before reaching the table and she has to be reminded that glass items do not get thrown into the sink – but the satisfied look on her face when she is helping is precious.

Wish me luck with my new year’s resolution. I thought I’d give myself a few months and then report back in March or April on my success.

Please help me out by sharing your tips on how you’re able to get healthy meals on the table for your busy family.