Avoiding The Dinner Time Rush


Why does it all seem to happen right when I’m getting supper ready?  I’m just minding my own business, quietly putting together another dinner for my big family when boom! The little ones are hollering, the middle ones are wrestling and the older ones are asking me deep questions that deserve answers.  This triple convergence of noise, activity and thought can (and have) led me to raise my voice in anger just to restore some quick peace. I see the look on their faces and guilt comes rushing in.  There has to be a better way.

I know from experience as a big family mom that there is a rhythm to our day. Like rush hours I can predict there are times of the day when it is quieter and others that the noise and activity picks up. Knowing these patterns can be a cause of dread or an opportunity to grow in grace & skill.  I choose the latter.  Here are a few tips that help me go through these busy times calmly and still get dinner on the table in time.

1 - Plan Ahead

In every season of big family motherhood it helps tremendously to plan ahead meals.  Days that are busier (like Wednesday Awana Night) I plan a crockpot meal that I start in the morning when there is a lull after breakfast or even the evening during our after dinner chores (and Dad is helping with the littles bedtime routine).

I also have a rhythm to our day that brings the energy up or down so the younger ones can get their energy out in spaces and places of my choosing instead of just running around the main level right at dinner time.  Afternoon snack is followed by outside play time. I live in Canada so this might involve 10 minutes of putting on full snowsuits and boots, however it’s worth it to get a few minutes of quiet for me and several minutes of fresh air and exercise for the children.  When they do come back into the house all rosy-cheeked they are calmer because they got their noise and energy out and are ready to do a quieter activity.

2 - Buddy System

Depending on the ages of your children utilizing a simple buddy system during key hours of the day is a blessing from God.  It’s also life skill training, character growth opportunity and practical from a safety and sanity standpoint.  Even a six year old can play with a younger sibling for 15-20 minutes while in earshot of mom.

3 - Mental Notes

I used to be peppered with every kind of question by my children, often at a very busy time in the day such as dinner prep time.  This could be downright overwhelming as my stay at home mom brain was feeling overloaded by the fullness of the day. A breakthrough came when I directed them to put a note on the microwave and I would get back to them later.  Even younger children can draw a picture on a sticky note or their name. I follow up within the day or two depending on the urgency of the item.  They are re-assured and I get space when I need it most.

I have more tricks up my big family mom sleeve that help me move through my full days with more grace and ease. Just these three alone are major game changers that help me keep my calm, the kids safe and supported all while getting dinner on the table.

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