I have to tell you about my daughters dinner tonight, because I think it is an important message for mums out there to hear, as they get ready for a new week.

We don’t have to be perfect. 

It is a theme that has come up a few times in conversation in the last weeks with friends and family, and the stress we sometimes place on ourselves to ensure our child has the best food, or the most natural creams, or the most organic sleeping bag, can be more harmful to our health, than the benefit our child gets.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t feed your kids nutritious food, or use chemical free products, or look for the best clothing options (quality doesn’t have to be expensive), what I am saying, is that if you find that this is making your life too stressful sometimes – take a break.

Today we went to visit my parents as they’ve been away in China for 3 weeks, and my daughter decided not to have a nap. She had a rest – but as most mums know, this does not equate to sleep. She was overly sensitive, and whilst generally happy, had a few tanties when she didn’t get what she wanted (grandad to chase her around the pillar with her new (vintage) pram – its pretty cool right?!).

So we drove home, and I called my hubby to ensure we had dinner options for her. She still gets a seperate dinner because I’m silly and like to make life hard. OR – because she eats earlier, and has had issues with food but is almost at the stage where she can eat what we do.

I brought our bags in, rushed to the fridge, and realised we’d used most the of the vegetables with our dinner last night. I always ensure she has a mix of root veg, leafy greens, protein and a healthy carb, and it is usually a one pot mix, with some spices. She loves the different combo’s and I make enough for two nights.

Tonight, I didn’t have the mental capacity for that, and said to hubby – can she just have pasta with cheese???? He of course said yes, he isn’t as stressed about these things, and I cooked her some spirals (albiet red lentil ones), and added some butter (ok it was grass fed), and some cheese. While the pasta was cooking I threw in some peas (and gave her a few to snack on – she loves them frozen). I swear, with a little added salt, hubby and I would have been happy with our own bowl.

I don’t have a photo – it got eaten too quickly, and before I realised this was a significant, stress free moment. She ate it by herself, with her hands, and ate the whole thing. Dinner in our house normally involves me spoon feeding her – and whilst this comes from over a year of only managing puree, it is also me needing to increase finger food dinner options, and showing her how to use her awesome new fork. If you have a toddler having difficulty with cutlery, these Doddl ones are amazing! They are ergonomic, and stay more upright as they bring it to their mouth. I am considering having some available to purchase in clinic, so let me know if you’re interested. The spoon is a hit here! (and they don’t have to be pink…)

So there we have it. She had an entire finger food dinner – LOVED IT – and I had a night off, and felt all the better for it. What are your go to easy dinners that require little thought, and are a hit??

What other ways do you make your life easier?

I hope you all have a wonderful week – for those that haven’t seen the announcement – I am now open for business! So if you’d like to book in a time to talk about toddler meals, mum fatigue, mood swings, or tummy troubles, head over to the booking tab, or give me a call.