'What's for dinner?'

By Emma Lalic, Moneycare's Financial Wellbeing Coordinator

Not this question again. Didn't we just answer that yesterday?

Figuring out what’s for dinner every night is a whole job in itself. The constant decision-making can wear anyone down, especially when dealing with fussy eaters, time constraints, and a tight budget.

As a Financial Wellbeing Coordinator who supports people in managing their money, I know that making a money plan (or a budget) is a great tool for getting in control of things. And as a mother, I also know that making decisions is difficult in the middle of the daily rush.

Here are my favourite ways to keep the family fed, most days anyway!

1. Weekly meal plan

We use a whiteboard to map out all our meals for one week. Even if some days we write down ‘leftovers,’ it still counts. This bit of effort at the start of the week creates so much headspace for the rest of the week. If we did this all the time, my household would be way more organised!

2. Write a shopping list for a big weekly shop

Use your meal plan to write your shopping list and stock up on all the ingredients needed to make a week’s worth of meals. Fewer trips to the shops will mean fewer temptations and less overall spending. I find we buy less takeaway when we do this too.

3. Lower your expectations

Sometimes it’s OK to not cook a meal – scrappy dinners are dinners too. I occasionally make the mistake of thinking there’s nothing to eat in the house when I just need to rummage through the cupboard a bit better. I’m often surprised at what I’m able to pull together, and you might be too.

4. Have a couple of go-to easy meals

My kids do a happy dance for eggs on toast. They are also keen on tuna and salad wraps. We need these no-fuss dinner winners to keep the peace on those long days when energy levels are low. Find those meals within your own family.

5. Occasionally, cook something for yourself

As parents, we can get so caught up in pleasing our kids’ palates that we forget to cook food we enjoy eating ourselves. I’ve started seeking out new recipes that satisfy my own cravings and will rotate them into the family meal plan, knowing full well the kids will kick up a stink (“ugh, what IS this?”) My husband makes his favourite creamy boscaiola even though one child refuses to eat pasta. Plan to do this when you’re feeling prepared to weather the meltdowns. I tell myself it’s good to expose the kids to different foods even if they’re not eating them.

6. Let others cook too

Getting my kids involved in the kitchen helps to lighten my load, even though it often leads to a bit of mess! It also keeps them busy and teaches them some important skills. Don’t be afraid to call on your friends or family when you’re feeling too stretched to cook. I’m thankful that I can show up at my sister’s house with just a potato and still be welcomed for dinner.

With these tips up your sleeve, I hope you’ll feel a little more ready to answer the ‘what’s for dinner’ question next time it pops up.

Remember that it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when you’re juggling a million other things. And you don’t need to go through it alone – help is always available!

If you’re struggling to make ends meet, charities (like the Salvos) can offer support or essentials. Check out our free Meals to Make Ends Meet cookbook if you’re in need of affordable recipe ideas.

If you’d like further support to help you manage your money, the Moneycare team members are great listeners. Call us on 1800 722 363 to make an appointment with a financial counsellor or have a live chat on the Moneycare website here.