Originally published October 15, 2024. Moved to new platform October 29, 2025.

The end of summer means many exciting things, but also the return of small windows of time between school pick-ups and sports practices. Not much time for debating what to make for dinner! Enter Meal Planning.

As the school year swings back into full gear, the demands on moms multiply, especially those with multiple kids. Between getting everyone to and from school, ensuring homework is done, and shuttling kids to their various activities, it’s easy for mealtime to become a chaotic afterthought. But with a solid meal plan in place, dinner can be one less thing to stress about. Here’s how to create a meal plan that will keep everyone fed, happy, and healthy.

1. Start with a Weekly Schedule

The first step in effective meal planning is understanding your family’s weekly schedule. Take a few minutes at the beginning of the week to map out when everyone will be home for dinner and when quick meals or leftovers will be necessary. For example, if Tuesday is a late soccer practice for one kid and a swim class for another, that might be the night to plan for a simple, pre-made meal or something that can be thrown together in minutes.

2. Get Input from the Family

One of the biggest challenges of cooking for multiple kids is satisfying different tastes and preferences. Involve your kids in the planning process by letting them pick a meal or two each week. This not only gives them a sense of ownership but also helps ensure there’s something on the menu they’ll look forward to eating. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to new foods and get them excited about trying new things.

3. Keep It Simple and Consistent

When time is tight, simplicity is key. Focus on recipes that are easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients, and that can be repurposed throughout the week. For example, a roast chicken can serve as dinner one night, with the leftovers used for sandwiches, salads, or a quick pasta dish the next day. Keeping a few staple meals on rotation can also take the guesswork out of planning. Taco Tuesdays, pasta on Thursdays, and a pizza night on Fridays are all easy wins.

4. Make Use of Leftovers

Leftovers can be a lifesaver for busy moms. Not only do they save time, but they can also help cut down on food waste. Plan for meals that yield leftovers you can use later in the week. Soups, casseroles, and slow-cooker meals often make enough for two dinners or a lunch the next day. If your family isn’t keen on eating the same thing twice, get creative with repurposing leftovers into something new and exciting.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

In today’s digital age, meal planning has never been easier. There are countless apps and websites that can help you organize your meals, generate shopping lists, and even suggest recipes based on what you have on hand. These tools can save you time and energy, making the entire process more manageable.

6. Don’t Forget to Treat Yourself

While it’s important to plan meals that everyone will enjoy, don’t forget to include a few dishes that you love as well. After all, moms need fuel too! Whether it’s a favorite comfort food or something a little more indulgent, make sure you have something to look forward to during the week.

By taking the time to plan out your meals, you can take the stress out of dinner time, ensure your kids are eating well, and even save some money in the process. Remember, meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of preparation, you can make weeknight dinners a breeze, no matter how busy your schedule gets. Happy planning!