I have a question for parents with toddlers

[Minnie824]

How exactly do you find time to cook a nice meal? My DH and I both work, and even when we're home on weekends, as soon as I go into the kitchen to do something, DD decides she wants mommy to play.

 

[Steve H.]

Two words: Sesame Street

 

[mtemm]

ROFLOL! A nice meal, huh? I'm a SAHM to a 16 month old and I rarely find the time. Well, I could probably make the time since he goes to bed between 6:30 and 7:00, but I'm so exhausted at the end of the day I have very little desire.

Our typical summer meals tend to be on the grill, so dh takes charge. usually chicken, open a can of beans or something, salad, veg. Easy as pie. Easier than pie, heck, that would require some time

 

[jfulcer]

Or Barney, or Disney Toons.

I know people go 'blah blah blah' about using TV as a babysitter, but I don't have any problems using it on occasions like this.

If you don't want to go that route, you need to find toys that will hold your toddler's attention - BIG piece puzzles, search and find books, barbies, etc.. Of course, you'll need to train her that during dinner prep time she needs to play on her own. You could always have her color pictures at the table while you cook or something...

 

[Steve H.]

Jeff's right -- there's a few toys I know will occupy DS' time long enough to prepare a decent meal and get it in the oven (and things like those Oven Classics are helpful too, because there's less prep time).

DS' favorite toy for occupying his time right now is his Kasey the Kinderbot -- it'll keep his attention for anywhere from 15 minutes to 1/2 an hour (which is a lifetime for a 2 year old )

That, and he loves playing Reader Rabbit or Dora games on the computer.

 

[debster812]

Oh, my guy is 6 now, but what we found he liked was to hang out in the kitchen with us. I would sit him on the floor with some wooden spoons, pots and pans, and his favorite thing to 'cook' a potato he would 'cook' that potato for a half hour or more!

I also learned VERY quickly, that plastic containers are preferable to actual pots and pans.

 

[binny]

do you have a table in your kitchen or is your dining room attached?

When Im fixing dinner, its "homework time" for all the kids. we have an 8 year old so this is when he does his homework and the girls have little workbooks ( or colouring books) they do at the same time. This way Im available to help if they need it and it establishes good work time.


If that isnt doable the crockpot could become your new best friend! Throw it all together before you leave for work ( even do it all up the night before and put it in the fridge that way you just dump it in and run) then you can set it for all day and all you have to do when you get home is set the table and serve.
You can even pre set your breadmaker so it goes off on time and the bread is ready when you get home


Do as much prep work before dinner as you can.
Cut up vegetables will last most of the week if you do them on Sunday.
You can buy precooked food if nothing else works. You can buy precooked chicken, beef etc for those night when there is nothing else to do. Even precut food lol.

You can plan your meals ahead so you know you need to take the roast out of the freezer on Monday for dinner on Thursday. I keep a calendar in my kitchen to remind when I need to take things out of the freezer. You can put one inside yor cupboard.


There are a lot of things you can do before hand.

Good luck!


Here is a site with some great tips!I use it a lot!!


www.organizedhome.com

 

[jwsqrdplus2]

Crock pot! Makes a great meal while at work!

Also, I have a whole passel of meals that can be made in under 30 mins.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

My DD is almost 2 and she loves to help me. I let her do easy things like pour things into the bowl and help Mama stir. She also loves to help me set the table. So I give her one piece at a time (first her plastic bowl, then her fork, then a potholder, etc.) It keeps her occupied and I can praise her for being Mamas big helper!

Other times, when I am in a hurry I use Steve and Jeff's methods! Playdoh or coloring are a great distraction.

 

[autochick]

you might want to consider preping stuff the night before. Like if you make chicken or any type of beef, through it in a ziplock baggie with you choice of marinade. I also through my veggies in the bag as well. then all you have to do is through it on the grill, add a salad and you good to go.

I also like the dinner rolls that are in the freezer section you pull out as many as you need.