Dinner time, quality time

As a working mom (for now), time is precious.

I'm exhausted as soon as I walk in the door. And that's when the home chaos begins.

Both kids need attention. There's dinner to make (at least my husband helps A LOT!) and homework to check. And someone, usually my daughter, wants to hang out and talk. This is a good thing on many levels, but honestly sometimes I want to check out and recharge.

For now, I double up duties. Dinner is great for spending time with my kids. I don't mean just eating at the table and talking about our days. I'm using the time making dinner to be with my kids.

Both my angels love to cook, and they are old enough to help without the worry of little fingers touching a hot stove or knocking over boiling water. So now, I'm showing my daughter how to make my broccoli salad while talking about how to handle a mean girl. Or I'm supervising my son making chicken ravioli with my combo marinara/alfredo sauce while I get him to talk about anything. Teens!

I've heard friends say they've always had their kiddie help in the kitchen. I just couldn't when they were little. It added to my stress. I worried about injuries (well, I still don't like them cutting with big knives) and extra messes. Now, not so much.

They've always had input on the foods we eat. Now I'm thinking they are ready to make dinner on Friday nights. We'll still talk about their friends and stresses. But at least I'll be sitting down...or hope to be. I'll share how that goes...soon.

Cheers!