Family Meal Plan Ideas with Littles

Need family meal plan ideas? Overwhelmed with how in the world to create an intentional mealtimes?

For our family, the drive-thru or Uber Eats easy button is always so tempting. After school pick-up, the kids are hungry, and the evening schedule looms ahead. I want ease; the kids want ease. We are tired, hungry, and maybe even a little hangry!

However, after indulging in “fast” food, we often feel empty and unsatisfied. Why is that? What was missing? A quick meal might solve our hunger, but it leaves so much left on the table.

What we miss is the connection, the discipleship, and the family time.

I get it—life moves fast, and takeout definitely happens. Sometimes, grabbing a pizza or “Chic-A-Lay,” as my kids call it, feels like the only option. But other times, making a nourishing meal at home can be just as quick and much more rewarding.

Over the years, our family has worked on shifting how we do mealtimes. Here are a few simple but effective changes we’ve made:

1. Pizza at the Table: We enjoy pizza together on paper plates while discussing the highs and lows of our day. This creates an atmosphere of sharing and connection.
2. Sharing Meals: Instead of ordering individual dishes at restaurants, we choose to share meals. This fosters conversation and allows us to try different foods together.
3. Inviting the Kids In: We invite our littles into the kitchen with us. Whether it’s helping with prep or setting the table, they love being involved in the process.
4. Prioritizing Togetherness: Above all, we choose togetherness as the priority during mealtimes. This focus transforms our dining experience from a chore into a cherished time.

As Dr. Kim Blackham states, “Family dinner provides a time for conversation, connection, and creating a sense of belonging.”

If you’re looking for family meal plan ideas, intentional mealtimes are an undervalued blessing. In a culture that pulls us in every direction, family mealtimes can become a firm foundation for your family for years to come.

For those seeking inspiration, there are plenty of family meal plan ideas that can simplify your week and bring everyone together. Whether it’s a taco night or a pasta party, planning ahead makes a huge difference.

If you’re looking for support to create meaningful mealtimes with your littles, I’ve created a Mealtime E-Book just for you. It’s filled with practical family meal plan ideas that will help make your mealtimes more enjoyable. Check it out here!

Together, let’s make mealtimes a special part of family life!