I can’t stand the thought of a lukewarm meal—unless it’s meant to be served that way. But when it comes to pasta, chicken, or even pizza, there’s nothing enjoyable about eating food that’s lost its warmth. After the effort of cooking, it’s frustrating to end up with a tepid plate while the kids—who didn’t lift a finger to help—savor their hot meals. Sound familiar?
So here’s a suggestion, fellow parents: why not serve ourselves first? This doesn’t mean you need to whip up two separate meals; simply dish out your own plate before the kids’. This way, you can enjoy a hot dinner without the chaos of serving juice, picking up dropped utensils, and dealing with toddler tantrums. The kids will adapt—trust me, they’ll find something to fuss about—even if you take a moment for yourself.
Picture this: you finally get to create that scrumptious dinner you’ve been craving. You actually sit down to eat it without hearing “yucky” from the little ones. It sounds almost too good to be true, right?
If you’re anything like me, the thought of consuming the same meal as your kid—like dinosaur-shaped nuggets—isn’t appealing. By feeding yourself first, you can indulge in what you truly want without sharing. Far too often, we settle for leftovers or kid-friendly fare simply because we’re too hungry to care. And if you have a picky eater, you won’t be stuck with the same uninspired meals each night. Who wants to drown macaroni in ketchup for the umpteenth time?
Consider how much more enjoyable dinner could be if you weren’t starving. Serving yourself first means you can avoid the urge to eat like a toddler caught sneaking cookies. I can’t be the only one who has devoured food out of sheer hunger, right?
After waiting for the kids to finish, I often find myself inhaling my meal, feeling uncomfortably full because I didn’t pace myself. By the time I think to reheat my food, my child is done eating. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually enjoy your dinner? Sure, it may not be quiet, but you might get a chance to eat more than a few bites before getting up again. Imagine finishing your meal in a reasonable time—what a feat that would be!
This whole notion of parents eating first is revolutionary. It grants us a brief escape from our daily routines of cleaning, cooking, and caring for others. Even just for a few minutes, we can relish a meal like adults instead of scavenging like animals. It’s a reminder of the day when our kids can serve themselves and pour their own drinks. We just have to keep pushing through this chaotic phase.
As parents, we dedicate so much of our lives to our children. It’s only fair that we carve out a little time each day to focus on ourselves. This isn’t selfish; it’s simply recognizing our humanity.
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In summary, prioritizing our meals allows us to reclaim a bit of our time and enjoy the food we’ve prepared. It’s a small yet significant shift that can make mealtime more enjoyable for parents.