Dinner time melt down

LoriJ11 · June 2011

Without fail, DD flips out every night when it is time for me to start making dinner. DH gets home around the same time (6ish) and I plate and we eat. She is perfectly fine once we put her in the chair and feed her but when I'm trying to get dinner ready and plated she's a MESS!

I have tried play time with her first (only works for 10 min), putting her in the high chair to watch me, putting her on the counter and sometimes helping but when it's hot stuff I get nervous.

HELP me. I love cooking, it's just so stressful when she's screaming bloody murder at my knees.

gingerfamily · June 2011

Sounds like she is probably hungry earlier than you currently eat. Maybe give her some puffs or cheerios to tide her over?

LoriJ11 · June 2011

Ya, I try that too and she still get's mad. I give her fruit or veggies before dinner so it's not too filling but keeps her occupied.

groovygrl · June 2011

MIne do the same thing. I pick them up at daycare aroudn 5/515 and even give them a snack in the car but the second we walk in the door it is total freakout time while I try to get their dinner ready ASAP. A snack does help- cheese stick or cheerios usually... or some new toy or a toy they haven't seen in awhile to distract...GL. I keep hoping it is a phase & will get better.

92405bride · June 2011

I know this is ridiculously expensive, but I have heard great things about the Little Partners Learning Tower, basically a fairly safe stool that raises kids up to counter height to "help" in the kitchen. Not sure how big your kitchen is, but it's something you might consider looking into finding used - I'm guessing that would be a huge help.

My daughter does the exact same thing - the only reason we can tolerate it is because my husband is also home so we divide and conquer - one does dinner and one focuses on her.

https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Tower-Natural/dp/B001ECHXVC

KittyKatMom · June 2011

DS is like this too. He doesn't have a meltdown, but he does want my attention when I'm trying to cook and is often hanging off of my leg. I find it incredibly stressful to try and prepare a meal when he's around, so I've given up. I feed him something quick and easy and have a snack while he's eating, and then I cook a real meal after he goes to bed. Not ideal, but much less stress. Someday we'll have family dinners.

Christmasbaby18 · June 2011

We have the same issue and therefore I prep ahead as much as possible. throw something in the crock pot or at least get things chopped up or whatever during her nap. DD also stands on a chair to "help" me a lot (at the island, not the stove).

LoriJ11 · June 2011

92405bride:
I know this is ridiculously expensive, but I have heard great things about the Little Partners Learning Tower, basically a fairly safe stool that raises kids up to counter height to "help" in the kitchen. Not sure how big your kitchen is, but it's something you might consider looking into finding used - I'm guessing that would be a huge help.
My daughter does the exact same thing - the only reason we can tolerate it is because my husband is also home so we divide and conquer - one does dinner and one focuses on her.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Tower-Natural/dp/B001ECHXVC

That is interesting! I bet my BIL could make that... thanks for the tips everyone. It helps to know your not the only one sometimes.

Kingston54 · June 2011

I put LO in the pack and play with some of his favorite toys...

anonsouthernbell · June 2011

92405bride:
I know this is ridiculously expensive, but I have heard great things about the Little Partners Learning Tower, basically a fairly safe stool that raises kids up to counter height to "help" in the kitchen. Not sure how big your kitchen is, but it's something you might consider looking into finding used - I'm guessing that would be a huge help.
My daughter does the exact same thing - the only reason we can tolerate it is because my husband is also home so we divide and conquer - one does dinner and one focuses on her.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Partners-Learning-Tower-Natural/dp/B001ECHXVC

I was going to suggest this and a carrier. I use still use the Ergo if M starts acting like that when I want/need to prep dinner. Since your BIL is handy. Here is a link to a DIY version.

https://ana-white.com/2010/12/helping-tower.html

anonsouthernbell · June 2011

I meant to add that if your BIL is too busy to make that there is also the Kitchen Helper. It is very similar in design, but it a little smaller. One of the pluses though is that it folds for storage. I ended up getting the LT as I wanted the bigger unit. If you do a google search there is a video that compares the LT to the KH that I found very helpful.

LoriJ11 · June 2011

anonsouthernbell:
I meant to add that if your BIL is too busy to make that there is also the Kitchen Helper. It is very similar in design, but it a little smaller. One of the pluses though is that it folds for storage. I ended up getting the LT as I wanted the bigger unit. If you do a google search there is a video that compares the LT to the KH that I found very helpful.

This is key! It is much cheaper too than the LT. We have a small house and it is up for sale so something that can be hidden is needed for showings.

anonsouthernbell · June 2011

LoriJ11:
anonsouthernbell:
I meant to add that if your BIL is too busy to make that there is also the Kitchen Helper. It is very similar in design, but it a little smaller. One of the pluses though is that it folds for storage. I ended up getting the LT as I wanted the bigger unit. If you do a google search there is a video that compares the LT to the KH that I found very helpful.
This is key! It is much cheaper too than the LT. We have a small house and it is up for sale so something that can be hidden is needed for showings.

Ty. I meant to put that in there & I totally forgot to. It is about $100 cheaper than the LT.

jesspacatc · June 2011

KittyKatMom:
DS is like this too. He doesn't have a meltdown, but he does want my attention when I'm trying to cook and is often hanging off of my leg. I find it incredibly stressful to try and prepare a meal when he's around, so I've given up. I feed him something quick and easy and have a snack while he's eating, and then I cook a real meal after he goes to bed. Not ideal, but much less stress. Someday we'll have family dinners.

this. we don't usually get home until 6-630 so shes starting to get super tired and hungry.

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