After school and healthy dinner

So this year is gonna be a bit nuts once school starts. I know it's not as crazy as the kids in a ton more activities that's why I wanted to ask how you guys juggle everything and still try and make at least one or two good dinner a week. LOL
I have 2 boys. 1 going into 4th and the other 2nd.

This year older DS will be doing Hebrew school twice a week plus he does soccer which means one or two practices and games Saturdays.
He also will play basketball, but may sign him up in winter.

DS2 will just be doing one soccer practice and one game.

Of course I don't know soccer schedule yet, but wondering how you moms who do a lot of after school activities handle chaperoning and dinner and getting them to bed at a decent hour and homework? Thanks!

Message edited 8/7/2018 11:17:03 AM.

After school and healthy dinner

I do most of my meal prep on Sundays. Then I either just pop it in the oven to cook or reheat in the microwave.

Re: After school and healthy dinner

After school and healthy dinner

my 2 dd's have crazy schedules for the Fall and Spring. I usually pack a snack in an extra lunchbox that we grab and go - that they eat in the car on the way to the actives. Dinner is just a pain! I try to meal prep the best I can - but that's hard too. I always start out with great ideas but then reality sets in and i have NO TIME! lol. I think the worst part is we get home late and even with meal prep - just cooking alone seems silly at 7:30 at night

After school and healthy dinner

Get a foodsaver! When you get a chance make extra and seal and freeze it. I make 2 or 3 meatloafs instead of one, big batches of chicken chili, pulled pork, lasagna, meat sauce, etc and freeze in portions for one meal. Pull it out the night before and let it defrost in the fridge. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop if you want to be fancy lol. Fast, easy clean up, and healthier than fast food.

Re: After school and healthy dinner

Homework we do as soon as they get off the bus. If they give me lip, I remind them about running extra laps after practice for being late ((DH and I coach so it’s our rule)).

I use my insta pot, crock pot, grill, sheet pan meals or if craps really hitting the fan we do breakfast for dinner/sandwiches. We eat at 5pm to get everyone to practice on time. And I usually will bring my DHs dinner to practice when we meet up to pass kids around lol.

My younger kids I give baths after Prek, my older 2 shower when they get home. So everyone is fed/showered/homework done by 8:30.

Meals are always a meat/veggie and carb. It’s easier that way, bc everyone is so picky so if someone is against my meat they can eat the carb and veggies or no carb and eat the meat and veggies etc.

I love and dread fall and spring bc it’s nuts with 4 kids, but it gets done, maybe not perfectly or without tears (from me haha) but they all get to do something and have fun.

Re: After school and healthy dinner

Re: After school and healthy dinner

Thanks all. Figured about make ahead. Before this year it was practice a couple of times a week, but now with adding Hebrew school twice a week it's tough. Can't start cooking when I have to run out.
Will definitely make ahead and then just warm up or have him eat in the car.
I do have them do homework as soon as we get home and I give them some snacks while they do homework too.