What would you do if you didn’t have to make dinner tonight?

I resent having to make dinner every night.

I resent the time it takes away from me spending with my family.

I resent the time it takes away from my kids, who just want my attention.

And I want to give it to them!

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Between the soccer practices and art club and weekly tutoring and whatever else pops up after school, there isn’t much time left for family.

You’re nodding your head, aren’t you?

You understand.

You understand the crazy schedules.

The shuttling kids back and forth.

The desperate need to sit down for dinner but at the same time, not wanting to spend what little time you do have cooking.

But what is a mother to do?

What would you do if you didn't have to make dinner tonight?

So what am I going to do with all of that free time?

My boys voted on doing a floor puzzle, but there are so many low-key activities that you have right at your fingertips!

You can check off items from your to-do list while connecting with the kids.

  • Fold socks (you can make it a race)
  • Solve the plastic lid puzzle (actually match each plastic tub with the correct lid)
  • Go through the mail (the kids can make a collage from the magazines and flyers)
  • Rake leaves (be sure to leave time to jump in them, too!)
  • Find a home. We pick a shelf that has too much stuff sitting on it and everyone helps “find a home” for each item

Don’t feel like completing a to-do? Here are other fun things you can do without a lot of fuss!

  • Draw a picture (have your kids pick the theme)
  • Play a board game
  • Hold a building contest with your favorite blocks or Legos
  • Play tag in the backyard (or light saber wars)
  • Challenge your kiddo to a racing video game

Spending quality time with your kiddos doesn’t have to be a big production.

It’s about spending time chit chatting and being present.

That’s really all our kids want from us — our time and attention.

Make dinner quality time, too! Try these fun 20 dinner conversation starters to make dinner interesting again!

88 Comments

  1. My favorite is the Breaded Chicken Parmagiana Patties with Tomato Sauce. I would relax and/or play with my fur baby while it is cooking

  2. My favorite is the Popcorn Chicken – Value Pack, I’d prepare some other dishes while they are cooking.

  3. We really like their Salsbury steaks and make hot beef sandwiches with them. Since I dont have to prepare it, I can spend more time with family or catching up on other things!

  4. My favortie is Home Style Gravy & Meatloaf Slices….yummy! 🙂 I will be helping the children with their homework while it is cooking.

  5. We like the Gravy & Sliced White Turkey Meat. I would take our dog Bailey for a nice long walk. He loves them and they are good for both of us

  6. My favorite is the gravy and sliced white meat turkey. While it’s cooking, I would vacuum (my cat sheds so much) and write some emails I’ve been putting off. If there was even more time, my place could really use some dusting!

  7. We like the Salisbury Steaks with Gravy! Yum! I would get all of the other daily chores done lots faster freeing me up to spend quality time with my family playing games or watching movies!

  8. I like the Penne Pasta & Meatballs with Tomato Sauce. While it is cooking I would spend a little extra time playing with my son. They are only little once!

  9. My favorite are the barbecued pork riblets. We use them to make home made McRib sandwiches. While they are cooking I would rake up the leaves that are just about all down.

  10. I like the Toasted Onion Gravy & Char-Broiled Patties and while they were cooking I’d be making some mashed potatoes and a side salad.

  11. Gravy & Sliced White Meat Turkey – While it is cooking I would make a salad, potatoes and stuffing to have a true dinner! YUM

  12. My favorite is the Chicken Parm, and I usually am watching one of my favorite TV shows while I’m waiting for it to cook!

  13. My favorite is the lasagna! I would be making a side salad and garlic bread while it bakes! Or get caught up on decorating!

  14. I want to try the 6 Breaded Chicken Parmagiana Patties with Tomato Sauce. I would play with my cats while it is cooking.

  15. My favorite On-Cor dinner is Southern Style gravy with breaded beef patties!! I would watch a movie curled up on the couch with my family while it was cooking!!

  16. My favorite On-Cor entree is salisbury steak. I make mashed potatoes and green beans while the meat is cooking.

  17. My favorite entree is their Southern Style Gravy with Breaded Beef Patties. I would read a good book while it was cooking!

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