Meal time at our house has slowly become an out of control, hectic, and VERY frustrating time. It started with breakfast each morning, when every kid wanted something different. Ethan always orders Yogurt, Oatmeal, and then Toast (in that order). Aidan sometimes wants granola, sometimes yogurt, sometimes shredded wheat. . . you get the picture. Chandler eats whatever we give him pretty much, so that's a relief. Gordon and I had hot oatmeal lots of times, but it just was getting to be such a pain! Yogurt, Oatmeal (instant), Oatmeal (steel cut), Toast, Cold Cereal, Bananas, Milk, OJ. . . all for one little meal. We were ready to lose it. Not to mention that our children were getting obnoxious. "Um, mom, where's my toast?" when it's not there RIGHT when he finishes his oatmeal. As you probably have as well, we grew tired of being the short order cooks.SO. . . .
We put ourselves on a "breakfast schedule." And so far, so good! Sure, it means I have to get downstairs a precious 20 minutes early to cook something up, but we all sit down together, and there are no choices. You eat what's on the table. It's a bit more work for me, but it's heaven so far. And, because they actually LIKE breakfast food, it's really probably our most pleasant family meal of the day. We've been doing this for three weeks now and it's been a big hit. So if you're ever in the area and up at 6:55 a.m., stop on by for. . .
Monday - Whole wheat pancakes and scrambled eggs
Tuesday - cold cereal and yogurt
Wednesday - French Toast and Sausage
Thursday - Cold Cereal and Eggs
Friday - Whole Wheat Waffles and sausage
Saturday - Yogurt, Oatmeal, Toast (ala Ethan)
Sunday - it's a free for all!
Now we're working on getting dinner to run as smoothly, without all the grumbling. More to come on that in the days to come (after we actually have some consistent success!!!)
8 comments:
That's a great idea. My kids are pretty much stuck with cold cereal, instant oatmeal, or toast (usually cinnamon toast) during the week because I just can't bring myself to make a breakfast when I have to be doing school with them in just a little bit. On a Friday (our low-key school day) I'll make eggs for anyone who wants them. Then Saturday we'll enjoy a good family breakfast with the pancakes, waffles, bacon, etc.
That is such an excellent idea! I might have to steal that one. And yay for you because I know how hard it is to get up 20 minutes early, especially when you are pregnant!
Great plan! I feel the same way sometimes. We've solved the problem mostly, by making a HUGE batch of pancakes on Saturday (pancake Saturday!!) and freezing the leftovers. Then we can easily reheat them during the week, with additions like scrambled eggs as well. Sometimes I will make muffins to change it up, or oatmeal.
Hey, congratulations! Breakfasts are not our challenge. It's dinner, all the way. But maybe we should try something like that for supper! Good job!
WOW you go GIRL!!! Good luck with figuring out dinner next:)
Someday you are going to regret that invitation, probably a French Toast Wednesday, I'm thinking. Of course, that would be after Carolyn feels better. Thanks for your help this morning. It was a lifesaver!
Lovely idea! Did you know you can make your steel cut oatmeal in the crockpot? Start it the night before and it will be ready in the morning.
breakfast has never been a problem for us. our girls would eat breakfast 24/7, it's dinner that is the struggle. i basically just make whatever mitch and i want and the girls can either eat it or not eat it. lala goes to bed many nights without supper, her choice!
i'm impressed that you all eat breakfast together as a family! that only happens on vacation or sometimes on saturday!
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