Saving Time in the Kitchen: Tips for Busy Working Moms

As a full-time working mom, balancing work, home, and family life can sometimes make you feel like you need 8 arms instead of 2! When it comes to mealtime, finding the sweet spot between spending quality time with your kids and getting a healthy meal on the table can be tricky. Over the years, I’ve found a few strategies that help me reduce the time I spend in the kitchen, while still making sure we’re eating well and having fun together…without needing to magically transform into an Octopus! 

Here are some of my go-to tips:

1. Involve the Kids in Meal Prep
Getting the kids involved in meal prep not only saves time but also turns cooking into a bonding activity. Try to give them kitchen-based tasks that are age-appropriate—whether it's stirring, measuring ingredients, or washing veggies. They love being part of the process, and it gives you a chance to chat in a relaxed setting. Plus, they’re learning valuable skills that’ll come in handy later in life. 

2. Plan Menus and Shop Smart
Planning out meals for the week ahead is a great way to save time in the kitchen! Take some time over the weekend to map out what you will eat for the week and make a shopping list accordingly. It will save you the daily stress of wondering what to cook and cuts down on last-minute trips to the shops too. 

3. Dedicated Meal Days
One thing that’s worked wonders in our household is having a dedicated day for each family member’s special meal. It might be something simple like Wednesday Wrap Day or a homemade pizza night where everyone can choose their toppings. Depending on the kids’ ages, Mom can either help prep or let them take charge of the kitchen.

4. Bulk Cooking
When you have time, try to cook in bulk—things like soups, stews, curries, and pies that you can freeze in portions. It’s a lifesaver for busy nights when you don’t have the energy to cook from scratch. You can also take advantage of the frozen meals available at the shops. These meals can also be bought online, with suppliers offering specials and freebies from time to time (depending on the order).

5. Meal Delivery Services
Subscribe to a meal delivery company where ingredients are prepacked and the recipe provided. The convenience of having ingredients delivered, pre-measured, with simple instructions to follow can be a lifesaver. It also allows the kids to get involved in the cooking, and they love that part! It’s also a creative way to introduce new recipes and try different types of cuisine.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding what works best for your family and what makes the most sense for your schedule. With a bit of planning, some help from the kids, and a few shortcuts here and there, mealtime in the kitchen can go from stressful to manageable, and you can focus on what really matters: spending time with your family!