The 10 Things I Dislike Most About Cooking Dinner

home insemination Kit

Dinner time? Ugh. Honestly, it’s my least favorite chore at home. Give me a messy bathroom or a pile of laundry any day over having to whip up a meal. If it were just me, I’d happily settle for a refreshing gin and tonic with a side of pretzels. But alas, I have kids who need more than just a buzz—they need actual food. As the (mostly) stay-at-home parent, I’m stuck with cooking duty most nights, and let me tell you, I approach it with a heavy heart. Here’s why:

1. Grocery Shopping: Wandering the aisles of Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Safeway feels like a punishment. Between the chaotic parking lots, realizing I’ve left my shopping list at home, the race for the best produce, and the shame of forgetting my reusable bags, I’d rather endure a root canal.
2. Balancing Food Groups: In my effort to be a responsible parent, I try to plan balanced meals. But it’s a constant challenge. Not everyone likes the same veggies, and I refuse to serve broccoli and spinach. If they eat two out of the five food groups for dinner, I consider it a win. Cereal? Yup, that counts!
3. Raw Chicken: We eat a lot of chicken around here, and I’ve mastered three recipes—Indian Chicken, Fiesta Chicken, and Roast Chicken. But honestly, I’d rather change a diaper than touch raw chicken. It’s slimy and that pinkish-beige color? No thanks. And those fatty bits? Gross.
4. Cooked Chicken: Because, let’s be real: steak is where it’s at. Juicy, perfectly seared steak? Yes, please!
5. Cooking Smells: I absolutely hate the way I smell after cooking. No matter how I try to contain it, I end up smelling like I just walked out of a diner. Curry, onions, garlic, or worst of all—roast chicken—lingers on me for days. Not exactly alluring.
6. Messy Clothes: Somehow, I always manage to ruin my clothes in the kitchen. Whether it’s marinara sauce or oil splatters from sautéing greens, my shirts never survive. Clearly, I should invest in an apron.
7. Aprons: But I can’t stand them! They remind me of those 1950s TV moms who were always in the kitchen. Wearing one makes my inner feminist cringe. I’d rather wreck another t-shirt than don an apron.
8. Dinner Time Drama: After hearing my kids dramatically declare they’re starving every five minutes, they suddenly vanish when it’s time to eat. It’s as if they can survive solely on video games and cartoons.
9. Food Rejection: After I’ve slaved over a hot stove, it’s frustrating when my kids refuse to eat what I’ve prepared. Either they’ve been sneaking candy or they’ve mysteriously decided they no longer like Indian Chicken.
10. Cleanup: And then there’s the mess. Greasy plates and food smeared on the table—oh joy. But hey, whoever cooks shouldn’t have to clean up, right? Pass me that wine!

If you’re feeling the same dinner dread, you’re not alone. Check out this informative blog post for more insights. And if you’re on a fertility journey, Make a Mom is a great resource. Plus, for more information on IVF and fertility preservation, I recommend checking out Cleveland Clinic’s podcast.

In short, cooking dinner can feel like a Herculean task, full of challenges and frustrations. From grocery shopping to dealing with picky eaters, it’s a wild ride. But at least I know I’m not alone in this struggle!