Experienced Sahms: Dinner help with 3 under 5 please

[ISaySteadyOn]

I am really struggling with both nutritious meal planning and cooking. DD1 (4.5) is a fussy eater, DD2 (2) is the eating baby and now DS (15 months) has turned into a total Klingon. I'm dyspraxic so I have enough trouble coordinating things as it is and definitely can't cook one handed.

We are vegetarian as well (been one since birth so nothing new). Any advice please? Also, starting with the complete basics is fine as I struggle with that too.

Have you a helpful partner/friend? Could you batch cook some stuff when you have an extra pair of hands? either weekend or evening?

My sister used to spend a good few hours on a weekend prepping food for the week, cooking and freezing food. She is also veggie as are the children.

There are loads of videos on YouTube about freezer cooking/batch cooking to inspire.

Can you talk to your youngest whilst they are either attached to your leg or in a high chair whilst you cook? I had a playpen in the kitchen filled with toys that both my two would be in whilst I cooked. It is difficult when you have a child demanding your attention.

I agree, batch cook a couple of times each week. My DC eat a lot of pasta with various sauces during the week and more adventurous things at weekends when I have more time. Meal plan religiously. And remember Beans on Toast if all else fails.

Invest in a slow cooker for winter months. While my 3 (all under 5) eat breakfast I prep tea and throw it in. Then when they get hungry at tea time (all nd undoubtedly fussy and clingy) it just needs to be dished up. Saves the stress of trying to cook whilst they can be at their most demanding. I am not a fan of hiding veg in food and follow the "take it or leave it" rule and have done since they hit 2 and a half. Trust me, no matter how fussy they won't starve themselves, but I think that is up there with self soothing for some parents; it isn't for everyone. If you are very concerned about nutrition, maybe introduce a multi vitamin. I also go for periods of time without a desert (even just a yoghurt after) tha way my kids hhaven't come to expect something nice if they eat the bare minimum. You can also batch cook overnight with a slow cooker, prepping meals when they are in bed, cook whilst you are in bed and freezethe next day. :)