Let me set the scene:

Naps have ended. They’ve played with the toys. Hunger is growing. Your spouse is not home yet. Dinner is not ready. It’s 5:00 with a toddler and the level of chaos has peaked. 

When our first was about 1.5, making dinner could have qualified as an olympic sport: holding her, not holding her (and the fallout from that), her tiny death grip on my pant leg, her pushing me, the crying–all while actively turning the pork chops. I tried some different tactics to help me make dinner and to help her make it to dinner.

Now for some perspective:

This is mostly due to toddlers being human and being inexperienced. They’re human–sin affects them, too. They are not naturally patient, rational, or self-controlled. They’re inexperienced–they have no clue how to handle challenges like not getting their way or waiting. 

Remember, God blessed us with them. Our own children have brought so much joy into our lives. That doesn’t mean it’s always picturesque. Some days are rough. But that’s fine. God is good. I love my children so much more than I love to have peace and quiet. And though it’s chaotic, I sense that I will miss it.

It can be tempting, but we can’t throw our own tantrums. Part of our job is to teach and show our children how to deal with things in a healthy way. Parenting requires calm consistency. This is one reason that this role is so sanctifying–we quickly see our own imperfections.

Let’s get practical. Here are some ideas if you’re trying to make dinner in the 5:00 chaos. 

1. Let them eat. Is part of dinner ready early? Do you have some veggies or fruit you can offer? This way, even if they are not as hungry when it’s really time to eat, they at least ate something good.
2. Set up an activity. Play-doh, a coloring sheet, or some stickers can go a very long way. Got a big diaper box laying around? Put them inside to color it with a crayon.
3. Let them help. Okay woah–hear me out. I didn’t give my daughter real ingredients until I trusted her with them, so at first we would pretend. I gave her spoons and bowls and let her “mix”. Now she can pour the water, peel the garlic, and snap the green beans.
4. Let them see. Sometimes they just want to see what we’re doing. They sell those little kitchen towers, but we just use a chair with arms. Now she’s learning about cooking because she’s watching closer. This is where I might do the things already mentioned – an activity, part of the meal to eat, or something she can help with. 
5. Dance party. You can dance, sing, and cook at the same time. Fun music may boost both of your moods. Disclaimer: there’s a chance they will hate this with passion. The intensified crying combined with the loud music is way worse. Turn off the music and cautiously proceed to #6.
6. Spend undivided time with them. Oftentimes, they just want our full attention. Before meal prep, spend some time connecting with your child in their little world. This can help them feel calm, loved, and secure before we turn to other responsibilities. 
7. Move dinner time. If it’s an option, this could be a quick solution. Eat at 4:45. Or have a snack and then eat at 6:45.
8. Finally, don’t reward the chaos. Our children will try to get their way, often in inappropriate ways like whining, yelling, and pulling on us. Do we pick them up when they angrily scream to be held? This teaches our children that complaining and demanding are the keys to success. But we can teach them another way, model the right attitude and actions, and pray for them and ourselves to grow in self-control.

I hope one of these ideas helps your family tonight!