Multi-Tasking Secrets: Menus Eliminate Mayhem

Okay, I admit it. I can be a little anal. I’ve had to relax my standards quite a bit though upon embarking on creating a new business and running it out of my house. Last year some of my most stressful moments involved figuring out and and preparing what each of my 3 kids wanted to eat for breakfast. In the morning, every second counts. All it takes is one “bump” on my daughter’s scalp while she’s trying to tie up a smooth, tight ponytail to send the mood of the entire household into a fast, downward spiral (meaning: everyone grab a bag of cookies on our way out the door as there’s no time for breakfast because I’ve spent all my time styling hair). And don’t even get me started on dinnertime in and around hebrew school and everyone’s conflicting sports team practices. There’s nothing worse than first arriving home at 7:30pm with 3 sweaty kids and nothing prepared for dinner. Can you say frozen pizza – again?!?!?!

Like anything else, moderation is the key. I believe being anal in regards to certain aspects of your life can be extremely beneficial. To that end, I have instituted a new policy in my house which coincided with the start of the new school year: Food Menus.

I have a set schedule as to what my kids will be having for breakfast and dinner during the week. We work together to make the choices and once the schedule is complete it is posted in the kitchen for all to see. Now, not only do I know exactly what I need to shop for at the supermarket each week, but I also don’t have to wait until I am graced with my kids’ presence in the kitchen before doing the cross check of what they each want for breakfast vs. what we actually have in the pantry and refrigerator. I can actually get started in the kitchen preparing breakfast while my “3 musketeers” are upstairs getting dressed, brushing their teeth, putting their pajamas in the hamper and making their beds. Okay, so the last 2 items on the list are still a fantasy of mine - but a mom can dream can’t she? Now that the chaos of mealtimes seems to have been quieted, can clean and organized bedrooms be far behind?