...When I let them choose the dinner menu for a week...

I've always tried to be that parent who encourages their kids' independence and creativity. So when my seven-year-old, Jane, started nagging me about picking out her own meals for once, I thought 'Why not?' It would teach her responsibility and give us something different in the kitchen... At least, that's what I told myself... So, we went to the store together one Saturday morning, shopping carts full of items they love but don't necessarily need balanced on every shelf. They were so excited, it was hard not to smile. We got home and spent hours organizing and planning their meals for the week... But then came Monday evening when I realized just how much work this was going to be... Prepping food that caters specifically to what they want each day is exhausting... Not to mention all those late nights sneaking in vegetables while they're distracted. Tonight, I caught myself crying over spilled milk and wondering if I had made a mistake... I mean, it's not like they ever complained... And at the end of the day, we got to spend some quality time together that probably wouldn't have happened otherwise...