Have you ever experienced one of those days when you’re exhausted from work, a little frazzed because you didn’t have time to take for yourself at all today, and now you’ve got to back up and cook dinner?
You have that struggle with yourself – wine now or wine later? Then you think better of it – better get dinner happening first.
Cyclone Tracey may have hit the kitchen and left pots n pans everywhere, but at least dinner is now on the table. Then one of your delightful cherub strikes up – “I don’t like that”, even before one morsel has passed his or her lips. Your head starts to spin and you feel like you’re going to blow your top. It takes everything you have just to stay sane. Sound familiar? If not, want to rent a 4.5yo? – lol!
This year, I think I have stumbled upon the answer for our family. I hope this helps you too.
The answer is what I call – Peace Meals for Days That Have Gone To Poo.
What is a Peace Meal?
A peace meal is the meal you know you can serve and which no matter how good or bad a day everyone has had, it will be eaten without any fuss, ballyhoo or whining.
How do I work out what my Peace Meals are?
Over the next week or 2, just watch what unfolds at the dinner table when you serve your meals. Pay attention to the meals which go smoothly. Jot them down. These are the ones to make when you’ve had a poo of a day and you don’t want to deal with more of that at dinner time.
For us, our Peace Meals are:
- Spaghetti Bolognaise
- Huge platter of different vegies (some roasted, some sauteed or steamed) with roasted nuts – all served in the middle of the table
- Crumbed Chicken and Fried Rice
- Baked Dinners
Being Prepared For Those Poo Days
My recommendation is to ALWAYS have a Peace Meal in the freezer for when those Poo Days hit. So in our house, I always have a batch of spag bol sauce in the freezer- this is not negotiable. If I use it, I make another batch the next weekend.
Whenever I make crumbed chicken, I always crumb extra and put it in the freezer too.
Whenever I boil rice, I make a double batch and freeze one.
If I am not tired and stressed but the kids are just being, well you know how kids can be, and you can feel dinner is going to go belly up, then I will make my platter of vegies. I have the head space and I know it will bring dinner back from the clutches of defeat.
What You Can Do Now
- Collate 2-3 Peace Meals for your family
- Cook at least one Peace Meal in advance right now and freeze it
- Then the next time you cook another meal that’s a peace meal, cook a double batch and freeze that too
- Now you’re ready for the next day that turns to poo