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How to Take a Meal When You're Juggling Kids and Work
JULY 8, 2025 /
KELLI NAPOTNIK /
Have you ever signed up to take a meal, feeling confident that you had ample time to prepare, cook, and deliver it? As the day grew closer, however, did you find yourself becoming anxious about fulfilling this commitment due to work and family responsibilities? This is a very common scenario, one I have experienced myself. Today, I'm sharing helpful tips for finding time to prepare a meal when you may have children or a busy work schedule.
- Plan on a simple meal you know well and don't change it. When taking a meal, it's best to keep things simple. Plan on using a recipe you know your own family loves and that is familiar to you. This will make the process of preparing and taking your meal much easier.
- Shop ahead of time, being sure to buy disposable containers as well. One of the best practices you can implement when taking a meal is to shop beforehand for all your ingredients and supplies, such as aluminum pans, paper plates, and cutlery. This ensures you won't waste time by making last-minute trips to the grocery store.
- Make a batch of freezer meals to keep on hand. Preparing freezer meals ahead of time is an excellent way to give yourself extra time when taking a meal. I love this idea of meals ready to add to the crock pot straight from the freezer!
- Take their favorite takeout or Send Them a Meal. If you have a full-time job, cooking can be an added effort at the end of the day. Remember, a welcome option can always be finding out the meal recipient's favorite take-out, picking it up, and delivering it on your way home from work. We also offer a selection of delicious, ready-to-heat meals you can send to be delivered on the date you specify! Be sure to check out all of the delicious meals we offer in the link above.
- Use a crock pot or Instant Pot. One of my absolute favorite ways to save time when preparing meals for my family is to use my crockpot. I love that I can prepare and set the meal to cook during the day, and it is ready by dinner time with minimal effort! Click here for ways to transport your food in a crockpot!
- Prepare your meal when your kids are napping or in school. When I was a new mom, I survived meal time by preparing dinner while my young children napped. This saved time and minimized stress.
- Don't feel bad about picking up a ready-to-eat meal from Costco or your local grocery store! There are plenty of healthy and delicious ready-to-eat meals you can pick up on your way home from work at most local grocery stores! Costco also has a wealth of options in its deli and freezer sections. Don't feel guilty about using this as a stress-free option when taking a meal.
Remember these simple tips the next time you sign up to take a meal. Sticking to a recipe you know well, shopping ahead of time, or simply picking up your loved one's favorite take-out are all great ways to take the stress off taking a meal when you have limited time. Do you have any time-saving tips to share with us? We'd love to hear!
Read other recent articles by Kelli Napotnik:
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Adina & Maureen
Welcome! We're thrilled you stopped by. Our own joys and sorrows have taught us that a well-timed meal delivered by a friend is one of the best gifts imaginable. In this space, we share our favorite recipes to take to friends, meal-taking tips, and other ways to care for those who are dear to you.
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