When I asked the boys to come up with some summer goals, Cooper told me he challenges me to 2 weeks of not cooking chicken. He’s been complaining every night I make chicken, which is usually 3-4 times a week. It’s my protein of choice, as well as The Hubs, but apparently not Coopers! I was getting frustrated at every complaint and rolled my eyes when he gave me his “challenge”. But when I got to thinking about it, I decided to agree. Under 1 condition. He had to plan the 2 weeks of meals, make a grocery list and help me cook! (Pretty sure I won with this challenge!) The meals aren’t exactly my normal healthy dishes, but with some tweaks, everyone can be happy and there will be no complaints for 2 weeks! Here is the menu that came of his child led meal planning:
2 Week Kid Made Meal Plan:
Week 1:
Burgers and Hot Dogs, Raw Veggies – Adults eat a burger on a lettuce wrap
Meatball Subs – Adults will have meatballs and sauce over zoodles
Tacos – Adults will eat these Spaghetti Squash Taco Boats
Pork Loin, Brussel Sprouts, Roasted Potatoes
Fried Chicken and Salad – Apparently fried chicken doesn’t count! The recipe I use is actually Whole30 approved and really good!
Spaghetti and Meatballs – Adults will have meatballs and sauce over zoodles
Breakfast for Dinner – Eggs, Sausage, Kodiak Cake Pancakes, Green Smoothies
Week 2:
Steak, Shrimp, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans
Leftovers – (We usually have leftover night about once a week)
Tacos – Adults will eat these Spaghetti Squash Taco Boats
Breakfast for Dinner – Eggs, Sausage, Kodiak Cake Pancakes, Green Smoothies
Meatball Subs – Adults will have meatballs and sauce over zoodles
Pizza – I made my own dough and everyone makes their own pizza!
Salmon, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans – I might just use this easy sheetpan recipe
Tips for Child Led Meal Planning
- If your child picks a lot of pastas or meals that aren’t veggie heavy, prep a raw veggie tray to serve on some nights. I also keep frozen veggies on hand all the time, so I can always cook up a batch of green beans or something I know they like.
- Don’t critique too much. Let them make the menu and choose your battles. They shouldn’t be discouraged.
- Start small. Cooper is the one who chose 2 weeks, but even if you start with 1, it’s a good thing!
- Get them to cook! Let them experience the gratification of seeing their project through.
I’m excited to get my boys into the kitchen a bit more and also for them to see how much work goes into planning and prepping meals. My goal is to teach some more responsibility this summer and I think this is a great way to start! I know all kids have different tastes, but I encourage you to meal plan with your older kids and get them in the kitchen! I have my big boys going on Pinterest with me to search for things that look good to add to our menu. It helps me out a lot!
Besides, I really love my role of “wine drinker” and “director of cooking” while dinner is being made!
Do your kids help you in the kitchen? Think you’ll try child led meal planning this summer?
Meredith says
looks like a great win for both of you. I wish Millie would eat something other than chicken, I think it’s time I force her. 😉
[email protected] says
It is! Maybe if you let her help plan, she’ll pick some different stuff! Look at PInterest. It inspires them!
Nicole says
We have 7 people in our family, myself , hubby and 5 boys!
We each take turns picking one dinner the rules are whomever’s day it is “ helps” mom cook ( except for hubby’s day then mom is ? hands off) and no repeats of the same “ protein” that helps avoid burnout
My 2nd oldest shops weekly with me as he’s the only one who doesn’t hate it
[email protected] says
Whoa, superwoman! That’s an amazing plan! I love that dinners are a total family affair!
Nita says
This is such a good idea! My son has been very interested in making a meal on his own, and having a glass of wine and keeping an eye on him does sound like a lot more fun than doing it on my own.