“Lunch is ready!” I announce, and my children come rushing in (after washing their hands without prompting, of course). They eagerly take their seats (never bickering about who gets to sit where, naturally) and look up at me with smiles as I serve their meal. After the first bite, they cheer, “This is fantastic, Mom! Thanks for making it!” They polish off every last morsel on their plates (without a mess, of course), ask for permission to leave the table, and, once given the nod, tidy up their areas and place their dishes in the dishwasher (without being reminded, naturally). Then they return to their imaginative play.
But let’s be real—this is not what lunch looks like in my home. Kids will be kids. They sometimes forget to wash their hands, despite years of reminders. They squabble over who gets the best chair and often manage to create more mess on the table than they do in their mouths. Picky-eating phases come and go, where suddenly, green foods are off the menu or they refuse anything that doesn’t start with the letter “B.”
I’m also not exactly a culinary superstar these days. As a busy mom, whipping up gourmet meals every day isn’t realistic. I do my best, but feeding my family often turns into a bit of a challenge. Here are a few examples of what lunchtime really looks like at our house:
- I try to get adventurous with international cuisine. Day 1: Tacos (Score!). Day 2: Pad Thai (“Uh, sorry Mom, but that sauce looks strange.”). Day 3: Sushi and seaweed salad (TOTAL UPRISING). Day 4: Back to sandwiches.
- I whip up peanut butter and jelly for my younger two but forget that my daughter prefers squares while my son likes triangles. They could swap, but alas, one loves strawberry jam while the other opts for apricot. I’ve tried to explain that sandwiches taste the same regardless of shape, but my efforts fall flat.
- On particularly busy days, I serve simple snacks for lunch. While some may call it lazy, I see it as genius! It minimizes the dishes (no utensils needed!) and the kids adore it. My go-to is tasty Mini Babybel cheese, paired with apples, cucumbers, carrot sticks, nuts, and some crackers or pita. All food groups covered! Move aside, culinary legends!
- I aim to create a Pinterest-inspired meal to celebrate my kids’ accomplishments. The result? Fruit pinwheels that keep falling off their skewers, confetti pasta that sticks together due to overcooking, and cupcakes with icing cascading down the sides because I frosted them too soon. (My bad, Julia! Lesson learned!)
- I pack a lunch for my kid with a sweet note from Mom, only to realize later that the ice pack melted and turned the note into a smeared mess, leaving my dear child confused about why a piece of trash was in their lunch.
We’re all just trying our best for our kids. Sometimes our best is impressive, and other times it’s merely acceptable. They might occasionally appreciate our efforts, but there are moments when they could be sent to a faraway island to complain, where we wouldn’t have to hear it! Some lunches are sit-down affairs; others are grab-and-go.
In the end, it’s all about ensuring everyone is fed and happy. That’s what truly matters. The rest is just icing on the cake (preferably cooled before frosting—lesson learned there!).
For more insights, check out our other blog posts, such as this one about home insemination. If you’re looking for expert advice, visit Make A Mom, an authority on this topic. Another helpful resource is Healthline, which offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Lunch at home can be a chaotic yet loving experience, with kids often forgetting their manners and preferences. While trying to prepare creative meals, sometimes the simplest solutions work best. The goal is to keep everyone fed and happy, embracing the ups and downs of parenting along the way.