Alas, the question I am asked most frequently. Let’s skip over (for now) the village concept – I am only able to survive to a moderately successful degree because of the lovely, generous, patient and giving people who are the satellite parents in my children’s lives. Everyone plays a critical role, and they all deserve their own blog post of thanks. Until I write that however, I’m going to share with you the one necessary tip that saves me every week: Meal planning.

That’s right…food prep. Not the sexiest topic, but the key to getting through the week with as few tantrums as possible. Prior to having children, I loved to cook, I worked a full time job and my husband worked late. And guess what, after having children 3 children in 4 years, I still love to cook, work full time and have a husband who doesn’t get home until after dinner and bath time. When walking in the door after a long day, even 30 minute meals feel like an eternity to a 2-year-old. So what are the secrets to #preplife?

• It doesn’t all have to be done on Sundays. It just has to be done in advance. While I do try and prep at least two meals on Sunday afternoons, there are times (especially toward the end of the week) that I make a meal after the kids go to bed. Just remember to set a reminder to put in the fridge once it’s done cooling. I’ve killed a ziti or three by cooking it at 9pm and leaving it out on the counter all night. Food prep shouldn’t include food poisoning.
• Wash and cut all your veggies the day you go food shopping. Yes, they might not last as long, but you are like a million times more likely to cook with them later if you do the annoying cleaning and cutting in advance.
• Have a few quick meals ready…tortellini, pancakes, eggs, chicken nuggets and quesadillas are all on steady rotation in my house.
• Have some frozen items on hand…I keep the following in stock: the aforementioned pancakes, hamburgers, zucchini tots and taquitos.
• Be realistic – I don’t make every meal. Lunch is usually purchased, Grandma brings mac ‘n cheese on Mondays and Pop Pop is known for Wednesday night pizza deliveries. My children also often request Wendy’s nuggets and Chinese food. But if you plan at least 3 dinners, some quick meals and a lunch or two you are eating healthier and saving money.
• I swear by food pick up. One of those satellites I mentioned above are the food store employees who download and purchase my online order every Sunday. While I understand the need to want to pick your own produce, if you find a place you trust it saves you hours of priceless weekend time. I love you Kevin and Karen at Shoprite, without you doing my food shopping I would be a much more exasperated and depressed person on Sundays.

I would love to see what recipes you swear by – please comment below with any tried and true meals.