Menu Plan: June 4 - June 10 {and When Counting to Ten Fails}
Looking for dinner inspiration? Here's what I've planned for dinner at our house this week!
I'm not going to lie. The time between early May and mid-to-late June is difficult for me. Yes, my birthday falls within this period... But celebrating growing another year older hasn't been as exciting an affair as it has been in years past.
My focus has shifted. I don't give myself a second thought most days... Now, I'm just trying to get through the long stretches of solo-parenting while Stephen is on the road for work. Most of the time, I can do it. We fall into a routine and I let some things slide, like vacuuming, so I'm not running myself ragged... Which is ironic because I also find it hard to sleep when he's gone.
But Caroline's a toddler now. A toddler with a strong personality and an even stronger propensity to tell me "no". There are moments when I have to dig deep so I don't raise my voice too much. When she's refusing to cooperate, I often have to count to ten -- sometimes twenty -- to keep myself from blowing up at her.
I juggle so much when Stephen's gone that I miss having him around to check me... to keep me calm. For example... the above photo? I took it after having to repeat myself for the fifth time about where it's okay to color:
"Caroline, did you just color on the wall with your crayons?"
"Hehehe... Yeah!"
Scolding her hadn't worked. Giving her a time-out hadn't worked either. I would have loved to have passed off the responsibility of disciplining her to Stephen... but that wasn't an option. Instead, I put my head in my hands, took some deep breaths, and then declared it was time to clean up the crayons.
She happily moved onto playing with her favorite set of blocks. I spent the next twenty minutes hating myself for letting my emotions bubble up to the boiling point.
So... parents of toddlers (or of toddlers who've grown out of this stage). Do you have any tips to share here? How do you keep your negative feelings in check when your kid doesn't listen? How do you stay cool when he or she repeatedly misbehaves?
While I continue to figure out how to handle my own toddler, why don't you check out this week's menu plan?
Menu Plan: June 4 - June 10
Sunday
Monday
Take-Out
Tuesday
Grilled Italian Sausages with Sauteed Onions and Bell Peppers
Wednesday
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala with Rice and Naan
Thursday
Leftovers
Friday
Pizza with Broccoli and Caramelized Onions
Saturday
Birthday Party / Dinner Out
What's for dinner at YOUR house this week?
Thinking of starting a menu planning routine? Check out my previous menu plans, as well as these helpful meal planning tips. And if you still need some dinner inspiration, then don't forget to follow my special Meals from the Menu Plan Pinterest board!
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One year ago: A Month of Dinners: Menu Plan for June {MENU PLAN}
Two years ago: 30 Frozen Treats to Beat the Heat {ROUND-UP}
Three years ago: Roasted Broccoli and White Cheddar Quiche {RECIPE}
Four years ago: Menu Plan: June 3 - June 8 {MENU PLAN}
Five years ago: The JC100: A Celebration of Julia Child - Niçoise Salad {RECIPE}
Six years ago: Feed Me Friday {FUN}
Seven years ago: 52 Loaves by William Alexander {BOOK REVIEW}
Eight years ago: Pan-Fried Chorizo with Caramelized Onions over Mashed Potatoes {RECIPE}
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