I actually really love to cook and bake. Being in the kitchen is almost therapeutic. One thing I hate is trying to decide at the last minute what to make for dinner or scrambling to make sure I have all the ingredients for what I want to make. That is why I love this printable menu planner and shopping list combo – I can make my menu and then make sure I have all my ingredients on hand.
Use a menu planner has done so much to resolve this issue. Every once in a while we deviate from our plan, but 95% of the time, this saves my bacon. It is also nice to have all of the meals planned out because it is way easier to make my grocery shopping list. I do it for two weeks at a time and go grocery shopping once every two weeks. This saves us extra money too since I don’t go to the store as often.
This also means that you aren’t buying a lot of snacks or other foods that aren’t really meals, while at the store as you wander around trying to figure out what you are going to make.
If you have kids, I have found that making a menu planner works even better when you let them help you plan out the meals. It is also fun to have them help with the grocery lists and shopping. Not only is this good practice for when they set out on their own, but it takes some of the stress off of you with them learning how to do it
PRINTABLE MEAL PLANNER
This printable menu planner is super easy to use. There are spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As well as desserts. If you don’t need to fill certain spots you can use it to write down notes or draw doodles 😉
At least once a week I will have my kids help me in the kitchen (each on a different night). I think it is super important for all of them to learn how to cook. Not only cooking but learning their way around the kitchen. It is also fun to see how proud they are when they make something that turns out great.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE
PRINTABLE MENU PLANNER
For your older kids, it is really nice to have them pitch in and help you have a busy day. They will be able to make meals on their own because of the menu and the ingredients being on hand.
Be sure to check out our RECIPES. Most of these my kids helped me make, so I know that your family will love them too. There is a wide variety from slow cookers, electric pressure cookers, to just regular preparation.
