What A Family Dinner Really Looks Like?

Over the last couple years, meal time became stressful at our house. When my kids were little, it was simple. I took whatever we were eating, cut it up into little pieces, put it on their tray and they ate it up. There were no fights over the food I served them. At times they didn’t finish what was on their plate and that’s completely fine. As long as they gave the food a chance, it was a good day.

Looking back, I see they didn’t have a choice over what was made for dinner. Now, they are more independent, making their own breakfasts, lunches and snacks. When they were toddlers, the choice was mine to make, but knowing their own preferences is making dinner a real struggle.

For a family of six, my decision is to not be a short order cook. I will make one meal and if you don’t like it then tough cookies. My menu is fairly straightforward. Most things I serve have flavors they have eaten for years. Once in a while, I’ll mix it up to try something new, but for the most part, it’s the same things rotated through a schedule. As they’ve gotten older, they are pickier about all foods, all the time.