Mommy Evolution

Mom Smarter!

  • Home
  • Parenting
    • Parenting Tips
      • Age Appropriate Toys
      • Potty Training Tips
    • Special Needs Parenting
      • ADHD
      • Dyslexia
      • Sensory Processing Disorder
    • Family Activities
      • Sensory Activities
  • Book Nook
    • Best New Books for Kids
    • Children’s Books Lists
    • Teen Reads
    • Toddlers Board Books
    • Summer Reading Lists (K-8)
  • Recipes
    • All Recipes at a Glance
    • Breakfast and Brunch
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Main Dishes
      • Beef Recipes
      • Chicken Recipes
      • Fish and Seafood Recipes
      • Pasta Recipes
      • Pork Recipes
      • Soups, Stew and Chili Recipes
    • Desserts
      • Cake Recipes
      • Candy and Fudge
      • Christmas Cookies
      • Cookie Recipes
      • Pie Recipes
    • Beverages and Cocktails
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Grilling Recipes
  • Education
    • Unit Studies
    • Children’s Reading Lists
    • Learning to Read
  • Holidays & Seasons
    • Holidays
      • Back to School
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • New Year
      • Black History Month
      • Valentine’s Day
      • Women’s History Month
      • St. Patricks’ Day
      • Easter
      • Earth Day
      • Mother’s Day
      • Father’s Day
      • 4th of July
    • Seasons
      • Spring
      • Summer
      • Fall
      • Winter
  • About
    • About Jenny
    • Work With Me
    • Be a Guest Blogger
    • Legal Stuff

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

November 22, 2017 by Mommy Evolution 88 Comments

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!

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!

Related

Filed Under: Parenting Tips, Sponsored Posts

« Copycat Starbucks Hot Chocolate Recipe
Snow Childrens Books (Winter Unit Study) »

Comments

  1. Mindy DeLisi says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:27 am

    I honestly love the lasagna one the best! No onions in it and so tasty!

    Reply
  2. latanya t says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:54 am

    Home Style Gravy & Meatloaf Slices

    Reply
  3. Debbie says

    November 22, 2017 at 11:53 am

    Mac and cheese. I would play board games with my kids with the time saved.

    Reply
  4. Stephanie Jones says

    November 22, 2017 at 11:54 am

    i wanna try the lasagna

    freebiel0ve@yahoo.com

    Reply
  5. stephanie says

    November 22, 2017 at 11:55 am

    i wanna try the lasagna

    Reply
  6. Sandy Klocinski says

    November 22, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    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

    Reply
  7. Cheryl VanBrunt says

    November 22, 2017 at 1:28 pm

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

    Reply
  8. Jessica To says

    November 22, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    I like the turkey slices with gravy. I would read while it was cooking.

    Reply
  9. Ellen Beck says

    November 22, 2017 at 2:48 pm

    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!

    Reply
  10. Tracy Shafer says

    November 22, 2017 at 4:29 pm

    My family loves the salisbury steak!

    Reply
  11. Ann Fantom says

    November 22, 2017 at 5:43 pm

    I like On-Cor’s Toasted Onion Gravy & Char-Broiled Patties entree

    Reply
  12. Jaque Richards says

    November 22, 2017 at 5:58 pm

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

    Reply
  13. Gabrielle Kinman says

    November 22, 2017 at 9:08 pm

    Lasagna with meat sauce and cheese. Thank you very much.

    Reply
  14. Cathy Truman says

    November 22, 2017 at 9:42 pm

    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

    Reply
  15. Rebecca C says

    November 22, 2017 at 10:17 pm

    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!

    Reply
  16. Carly Williams says

    November 22, 2017 at 11:08 pm

    My favorite is the Macaroni & Cheese. I would watch TV while it cooks.

    Reply
  17. Sue Barney says

    November 22, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    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!

    Reply
  18. Ashley C says

    November 23, 2017 at 7:39 am

    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!

    Reply
  19. William Karcher says

    November 23, 2017 at 10:27 am

    Veal Parmagiana Patties in Tomato Sauce

    Reply
  20. Tim says

    November 23, 2017 at 11:02 am

    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.

    Reply
  21. cheryl s says

    November 23, 2017 at 4:26 pm

    I’d try the popcorn chicken. I’d probably read while it was cooking

    Reply
  22. Denise B. says

    November 23, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    I want to try their “Deluxe Lasagna with Meat Sauce”.

    Reply
  23. Chrystal D says

    November 23, 2017 at 4:59 pm

    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.

    Reply
  24. Deb says

    November 23, 2017 at 7:23 pm

    My favorite is chicken parm. I would probably check email and messages while waiting.

    Reply
  25. Robert Young says

    November 24, 2017 at 12:56 pm

    Macaroni and Cheese, and I would just relax!

    Reply
  26. cyndi butler says

    November 24, 2017 at 2:16 pm

    I would choose the Breaded Chicken Parmagiana Patties with Tomato Sauce. I would eat a salad while I wait.

    Reply
  27. kathy Persons says

    November 24, 2017 at 3:32 pm

    Barbecue Sauce & 6 Boneless Rib-Shaped Patties and read a good book

    Reply
  28. Michelle D. says

    November 24, 2017 at 5:17 pm

    I like the Lasagna one best. I would get some needed work done on the computer with all that free time!

    Reply
  29. Mary Chapman says

    November 24, 2017 at 8:09 pm

    the macaroni and cheese is always a favorite at our house

    Reply
  30. Cheryl B says

    November 24, 2017 at 9:05 pm

    We like the Salisbury Steaks. I could read a book.

    Reply
  31. Christina O says

    November 24, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    The meatloaf.

    Reply
  32. nafeza2526 says

    November 25, 2017 at 3:34 pm

    I like the popcorn chicken. I would be reading a magazine will it’s cooking

    Reply
  33. tat2gurlzrock says

    November 25, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    My fiance’ loves the salisbury steak

    Reply
  34. ramona says

    November 26, 2017 at 10:47 am

    Gravy and sliced White Turkey. What else? a nice, long bath.

    Reply
  35. Julie Bickham says

    November 26, 2017 at 1:10 pm

    My kids like the chicken parm from on-cor. I would spend more time helping my kids with their homework!

    Reply
  36. Billie Rowell says

    November 26, 2017 at 6:51 pm

    We love the chicken parmigiana and salisbury steaks. I saw quite a few new products I would try by visiting that page as well. I would use the cooking time to play a game.

    Reply
  37. beth says

    November 27, 2017 at 9:26 am

    I love the lasagna and I would play a game while it was cooking.

    Reply
  38. Antoinette M says

    November 27, 2017 at 9:54 am

    My favorite is the Deluxe Lasagna with meat sauce. I would read the newspaper.

    Reply
  39. chelleshill says

    November 27, 2017 at 11:00 am

    I’ve not tried them but the Southern Style Gravy with Breaded Beef Patties looks great. I would definitely do something enjoyable those 45 minutes.

    Reply
  40. Anne Higgins says

    November 27, 2017 at 4:21 pm

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

    Reply
  41. beth shepherd says

    November 27, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    I love their turkey and gravy. THank you

    Reply
  42. carolntx says

    November 27, 2017 at 10:50 pm

    Home Style Gravy & Meatloaf Slices

    Reply
  43. Sarah Mathias says

    November 28, 2017 at 11:26 am

    I like the Homestyle Gravy and Meatloaf Slices.

    Reply
  44. Carrie McCarthy says

    November 28, 2017 at 4:56 pm

    I love the bbq boneless ribs <3

    Reply
  45. Susan Smoaks says

    November 28, 2017 at 7:58 pm

    i like the Home Style Gravy & Meatloaf Slices

    Reply
  46. TOMBO (formerly blazingdane01) says

    November 28, 2017 at 9:27 pm

    The Salisbury steak and chicken parm were always my favorite.

    Reply
  47. Jennifer Keating says

    November 28, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  48. Kyl Neusch says

    November 28, 2017 at 10:27 pm

    i wanna try the lasagna

    Reply
  49. Becky McClure says

    November 29, 2017 at 2:27 am

    My family enjoys the ribs one .

    Reply
  50. Cheryl Everitt says

    November 29, 2017 at 9:43 am

    While my favorite Deluxe Lasagna with Meat Sauce is cooking I will be hugging the granddaughters!

    Reply
  51. Cami Valenzuela says

    November 29, 2017 at 10:17 am

    I would like Toasted Onion Gravy & Char-Broiled Patties

    Reply
  52. Kim Avery says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:29 pm

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

    Reply
  53. Heather D says

    November 29, 2017 at 6:42 pm

    We like their Mac and Cheese. We’ve been meaning to try the lasagna.

    Reply
  54. Lisa Pecora says

    November 29, 2017 at 8:07 pm

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

    Reply
  55. Angie Ford says

    November 29, 2017 at 8:21 pm

    I like the lasagna good comfort food!

    Reply
  56. shawna says

    November 29, 2017 at 8:30 pm

    I like the bbq pork riblets

    Reply
  57. Laurie Emerson says

    November 29, 2017 at 9:18 pm

    My favorite is their Salisbury Steak. I would use the extra time to play with my kids.

    Reply
  58. Dorothy Deakyne says

    November 29, 2017 at 9:20 pm

    lasagna is tops

    Reply
  59. Lindsay Hess says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:35 am

    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!!

    Reply
  60. Carolyn Daley says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:38 am

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

    Reply
  61. deana says

    November 30, 2017 at 8:07 am

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

    Reply
  62. Jeremy McLaughlin says

    November 30, 2017 at 9:26 am

    My sons love the Mac and cheese. I get other things done while it cooks.

    Reply
  63. Sylvia says

    November 30, 2017 at 9:46 am

    we like lasagna but the rib meal looks good too

    Reply
  64. Angela Thorpe says

    November 30, 2017 at 11:06 am

    We like the Salsbury steaks, we’d play games together

    Reply
  65. Mia J says

    November 30, 2017 at 11:47 am

    I would like the chicken parm with tomato sauce. I would set the table while I was waiting for it to cook.

    Reply
  66. Lindsey says

    November 30, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    I neeever have time to cook!! Always on the run!

    Reply
  67. Francine Anchondo says

    November 30, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    lasagna and I would do some cleaning while it is cooking.

    Reply
  68. DeeAnn says

    November 30, 2017 at 1:04 pm

    I like the Char-broiled patties and gravy. I’d put my feet up for a while!

    Reply
  69. Ed says

    November 30, 2017 at 2:40 pm

    Breaded Chicken Parmagiana; I like to do crosswords!

    Reply
  70. Amity J says

    November 30, 2017 at 3:23 pm

    You can’t beat the chicken parm in their yummy sauce!

    Reply
  71. Leela says

    November 30, 2017 at 4:17 pm

    The Salisbury Steak.

    Reply
  72. Mary Gardner says

    November 30, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    My favorite On Cor product is their Salisbury Steak and Gravy.

    Reply
  73. Kathryn C says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:01 pm

    I really enjoy the sliced turkey!

    Kathryn C

    Reply
  74. Julie Hawkins says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:05 pm

    The Salisbury steak meal is my favorite. I would get some other chores done!

    Reply
  75. Breanne says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    I like the Gravy & Sliced White Turkey Meat. I read while it’s cooking.

    Reply
  76. Rose Santuci-Sofranko says

    November 30, 2017 at 6:27 pm

    Yum! Probably their “Home Style Gravy & Meatloaf Slices”, and I go play/work on my art/photography while it was cooking. Thanks and God Bless! ILuvTheEucharist @ aol dot com

    Reply
  77. starla b says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:41 pm

    Yum! I must try that one asap! My favorite has been the Penne Pasta & Meatballs with Tomato Sauce! I love pasta!

    Reply
  78. Dana Matthews says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:47 pm

    I’d like the Gravy & 6 Salisbury Steaks. I’d help the kids with homework while it was cooking!

    Reply
  79. Dana Matthews says

    November 30, 2017 at 7:48 pm

    I’d like the Gravy & 6 Salisbury Steaks. I’d help the kids with homework while it was cooking.

    Reply
  80. mamamayor says

    November 30, 2017 at 8:14 pm

    The chicken parm looks good. I would read a book while I was waiting,natbelinsky@verizon.net

    Reply
  81. laura bernard says

    November 30, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    lasagna!!

    Reply
  82. Christian Alejandro says

    November 30, 2017 at 9:04 pm

    Hot ‘n Spicy Chicken Strips – Value Pack sounds good.

    Reply
  83. Deirdre says

    November 30, 2017 at 9:09 pm

    Popcorn chicken

    Reply
  84. Tami Qualls says

    November 30, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    I especially like the Salisbury steak. I grab any extra time to read!

    Reply
  85. judeanita47 says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:43 pm

    My favorite are the Hot ‘n Spicy Chicken Strip

    Reply
  86. willitara says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:46 pm

    Deluxe Lasagna with Meat Sauce and I would catch up on reading my email while it is cooking

    Reply
  87. Stephanie Liske says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:54 pm

    Toasted Onion Gravy & Char-Broiled Patties sounds good. We could read a book as a family.

    Reply
  88. Juanita May says

    November 30, 2017 at 10:59 pm

    We like the lasagna. I could read a book.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Categories

EVOLVE OR GO BACK TO BED!

Get My Weekly Newsletter.
CLICK HERE.

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress