| With the hustle and bustle that goes on in families | | | | Kids love to help their mother with the shopping. |
| these days, it seems that nobody has time for | | | | If your kids range in ages, it is a good idea to |
| each other anymore. Children are off to school, | | | | send them off in groups of two, with the older |
| moms and dads are off to work, then it is soccer | | | | children being in charge of the younger. Give them |
| practice, piano rehearsals and homework for the | | | | each part of the menu list, making sure your |
| kids. With such little time to be together, it is | | | | children understand the brands you usually buy. As |
| difficult to find time to spend together as a family. | | | | they come back and put food into the cart, have |
| The money crunch adds another dimension to | | | | them add up the cost with a calculator. There is |
| lack of family time. Still, when made a priority, | | | | no harm in teaching a lesson in thriftiness and |
| family time does not have to be short or | | | | better appreciation for parental budgets while you |
| expensive. Pick a weekend night and don't let | | | | are having fun. |
| anyone make other plans for that date. You may | | | | The prep-time for crock pot cooking is short as |
| even want to pre-schedule similar family time on | | | | all that is needed is for the foods to be cut up |
| a monthly or weekly basis. | | | | and thrown in. Of course, only older children and |
| Prepare a Great Meal Together | | | | parents should be handling the chopping and slicing, |
| Instead of "pizza night" or the typical take-out | | | | but smaller children can always get a start on |
| fare, plan a day that includes everyone taking | | | | dessert by mixing things up and greasing the pans. |
| part in preparing the evening meal. Children like to | | | | This is a great time for kids to learn about herbs |
| have choices in what they are given for their | | | | and spices and how to use them at appropriate |
| meals. Have your kids plan a meal together by | | | | measurements. Don't worry about teaching too |
| offering them several menu items from which to | | | | many lessons, though -- this isn't school but a fun |
| choose. To keep things healthy, you may want to | | | | family dinner! |
| insist they pick something from every category: | | | | While the food simmers in the crock pot, why not |
| bread, dairy, vegetable, fruit, protein and the | | | | spend some time outside at the park or if the |
| all-important dessert! A great way to cook an | | | | weather is bad, inside playing some games? Crock |
| easy meal is with a crock pot. Just make sure | | | | pots are great for preparation and the long |
| that everything on the choice list goes well | | | | cooking time can be used as an excuse to find |
| together so when you put the food in the crock | | | | something entertaining to do. If it has been a while |
| pot, you don't end up with "supper surprise". Once | | | | since you were able to do this kind of family day, |
| the plan is laid out, it is time to go shopping. | | | | remember that Mom and Dad need to relax, too! |