Seeking Advice for What Food to Have on Hand

Just a little note for all you moms out there. I am a grandma and watch my grandchildren all the time and they will eat almost anything I put in front of them. It is like the rules change when it is someone new. They even act different with me than with their parents. It is a nice way to get them to try new foods without the parents being around. They are more likely to tell mom and dad no. But they do whatever grandma says.

C.,

Make things you know your children like and freeze it and then leave money so that the In-laws can buy what they want.

Simple solution to a complex problem. LOL

Good Luck,
M.

I would have a written menu posted on the fridge. You can even ask the kids what they want and have them help make the menu. Make sure you have all of the items needed for the menu. But I can imagine they can handle the prep, if they know the plan and know where to find the needed items :)

This is what my mother in law did while I was pregnant. She made Lasagna, Chicken casserole, Enchilada casserole and put them in the freezer. She wrote the cooking instruction right on the foil covering the dish. Also, we have a place called Contemporary Cook. You can go in and put meals together for up to a month I think, and for only two people. Freeze them and call it a day! They clean up after your prep. Our location also has an option to have them put them together, you just pick them up.

C.-

Ask them what they'd prefer and what would make it easier for them. When my in-laws come to watch our kids, and they've done it quite a bit so I have it down now, we do a little of both. I make sure there is stuff here to make, some made meals and I also know what they like to have for breakfast and such and have it on hand. Then, if they need anything else, they get it from the store.

Hope that helps - have a great time with hubby!!

C.

Yeah for you getting out! Have a great time!!!

Ask your inlaws what they like, do they like to cook? Some people enjoy it and you could have the ingredients on hand.

I know you didn't ask about picky eating but do not plan meals around picky eaters. Kids shouldn't eat mac and cheese and chicken nuggets all the time because they refuse anything different. Now is a great age to get them to try new things and broaden the food spectrum. That doesn't mean every Friday can be mac and cheese and nugget night either. My kids get one or two nights a week they choose what we have. However the other nights it is up to me and they need to eat at least half of what I serve. They are allowed a few things each that I don't force them to eat, they tried it several times and don't like it, so I think that is fine for kids to have a few foods they just don't like.

Tell them whatever grandma and grandpa fix and serve is their meal and they will eat it or be hungry, period. I always remind my kids they do not have to eat what I serve, however do not ask for a snack later. Sounds harsh but catering to them especially while grandparents are watching them isn't good for anyone.

With new people watching them during meals, it may help them be willing to try new things. Kids tend to put up the biggest power struggle with parents. Do not have to have your inlaws cater to their picky eating either. They are watching the kids and it should be simple for them. Give your inlaws strict guidelines on if they do not eat or at least eat hafl of whatever they serve to not give the boys anything else. Kids will not starve, promise. My two cents on that one.

Aks them what they would like to do for meals, get the indgredients and special coffee or whatever they like to have at home there on hand.

My sis-in-law always leaves a notebook listed with dishes her children will eat without fuss and recipes or directions to cook them. This way the 'sitters' have something to refer to.

As for your darling in-laws, ask them what they like on hand, or leave money for them to shop with. You are very considerate and I am sure they will appreciate the fact that you even asked! Have fun--everyone will do fine.

Hi C.!

I would ask them what their preference is. I would say "I'm so appreciative that you are coming to stay with the boys, can I prepare and freeze some meals for you or have stuff avaiable in the fridge?" If the answer is yes, ask them what they would like. If they say no, you don't have to worry about it.

I think stocking the fridge/freezer is a great idea. I think it will help them out tremendously by saving them some trips to the store and removing the guesswork from feeding your picky eaters. You may want to touch base with your in-laws first to make sure you are both on the same page.

I recently went through this. My mil cooks so MUCH differently than I do (starting w/ we're mostly vegetarian and she's meat and potatoes). I stocked the frig w/ milk and fruits and eggs (seriously, that was it!). then I stocked the pantry w/canned goods. I made one meal - lasagna, because my mil thinks I make the best lasagna. that way, I knew they'd get at least one meal that was real food. I also left two lists: one was how my pantry/freezer are organized. I know I have a tough time looking in hers and seeing any possibility for a meal because I don't know where things are. the second list was a list of favorite meals that the pantry/freezer were stocked for. I had no doubts my 5 and 7 year old would help her out in how to "make it like mom." All that said, don't be surprised if they don't touch a thing you leave except cereal/breakfast - my mil felt the need to over-spoil the kids and they went out almost every meal! (I suspected this would happen and I'm so glad all I left was milk and fruit - didn't have to throw anything away!)
Have fun! don't worry about them - they'll live through it!

soup is good. many varieties

First of all, CONGRATS on getting a vacation with the hubby!

With my son, I would stock my cabinets and fridge with my son's favorite foods and snacks when my mother would watch him for us. I also left a list of what my son liked for which meals and snacks. He can be awfully picky some days so I found that leaving options helped out. If you know your kids like certain meals that can be frozen, that might help your in-laws as well.

It might be vague, but I hope this helps.

P.
http://www.mamas2mamas.com

My husband and I actually just came back from Vegas (and had a blast) and my mom flew out from Chicago to watch our daughters. So what we did was take her grocery shopping before we left and that way she got to pick out what she wanted (a couple of frozen meals, pizza, soup). For our kids (who are also very picky eaters) we just kept the basics around like chx nuggets, fruit, waffles, yogurt, and it was just fine. Leave some cash and take out menus for them just in case.

Have Fun!!

First, make sure you have foods on hand that your kids will eat. For the grandparents, I would call them and ask them what they would like to have on hand. Also, leave some money for them to buy what they want once they get there.

Hi C., I recently picked up a little book of "No Fuss Freezer Meals" by Taste of Home. I saw it on the checkstands at the supermarket and Walmart. I have the October edition so I am not sure if they do it every month. It has some great recipes in it. I have tried a few that were a little bland but I added my own spices. Hope this helps and YEAH on your vacation! Enjoy!

When I went away with my husband, I had grandparents help that were similar. I made menus for each meal that I would be gone and then had all the simple ingredients on hand or had them premade and frozen. I even listed snacks. This saved a lot of time and headache for them and they were grateful. Maybe you could ask about some meals you are used to making. If they like that, just make it and freeze it for them. You only have to make enough for two, your kids can eat whatever. It sounds like a lot of work, but actually, it saves so much stress that you are able to have a great and carefree time while gone. Also, you can make suggestions of what they can do locally with the kids since they'll have so much free time! Have fun!