By: Jordan Fields
Dec. 8, 2023
I can’t stand the disappointment of a lukewarm dinner—unless, of course, it’s meant to be served that way. Warm pasta, juicy chicken, or fresh pizza just doesn’t hit the same when it’s cold. After investing time and energy into preparing a meal, it’s frustrating to end up with a tepid dish while our child, who contributed nothing to the cooking, enjoys a hot meal. Sound familiar?
So, let’s consider a different approach, parents: what if we served ourselves dinner first? I’m not advocating for two separate meals; I’m simply suggesting we take the time to feed ourselves before the kids. This way, we can savor a hot meal without the stress of managing juice cups or retrieving dropped forks for the umpteenth time. Trust me, the kids won’t mind—they’ll find something to complain about regardless—so why not prioritize yourself, parent?
Picture this: you finally make that mouthwatering dish you’ve been craving for weeks. Imagine being able to enjoy it without hearing a child declare that their dinner is “yucky.” It’s a dream, right?
If you’re anything like me, you might not want to eat the same bland food as your child (I’ll pass on the dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets). By serving yourself first, you get to indulge in something you actually desire—without the need to share. Too often, we resort to eating whatever is available, like those same chicken nuggets, simply because we’re too hungry to care. And if you have a picky eater at home, you know how monotonous it can be to eat the same boring items night after night.
Consider the idea of dining without the nagging pangs of hunger. When you feed yourself first, you may actually stave off that frantic urge to overeat, which often leads to a less-than-pleasant experience at the dinner table. I can’t be the only one who has rushed through a meal because I waited too long to eat, can I? By the time I finally sit down after my child is settled, I’m so relieved to eat that I practically inhale my food, sometimes leading to discomfort because I forgot to take a breath in between bites. And let’s be honest: by the time my meal is reheated, my child will be finished eating anyway.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to actually sit down and enjoy your food? It may not be completely quiet, but with a bit of distraction, you might manage to savor more than just a couple of bites before needing to get up again. Imagine finishing your meal in a reasonable amount of time—what a concept! To actually relish dinner seems like a distant dream, but serving yourself first can help you reconnect with the flavors you worked hard to prepare.
This approach to dining as parents is simply brilliant. It grants us a few moments of peace, allowing us to momentarily escape the chaos of daily life—wiping noses, doing laundry, and tidying up the kitchen. Even if these moments are fleeting, they allow us to eat like civilized human beings rather than ravenous creatures. It’s a reminder that one day our kids will be able to serve themselves, and we can hold on to that vision as we navigate this hectic phase of parenting.
We spend so much time catering to our children that we deserve a moment each day to focus on ourselves. This isn’t selfish; it’s a recognition that we, too, are human.
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In conclusion, as parents, we need to prioritize our own needs, including mealtimes, to maintain balance and well-being in our hectic lives.