Let’s be honest — spring is a chaotic circus. Recitals, baseball games, last-minute art shows (why are we showcasing finger paintings in May?), and somehow every committee meeting known to man ends up scheduled this month.
If you’re like me — a dad just trying to survive the season without feeding his family drive-thru pizza every night — meal planning during spring feels about as manageable as herding cats. But fear not: I’ve got a few tricks (and some absolute lifesavers) that have been working for us.
Beehive Meals: The MVP of Spring Dinners
First things first: Beehive Meals are a total game-changer. These prepped freezer meals come ready to throw in the crockpot and make me look like a hero. Bonus? They offer gluten-free and macro-balanced options, so you can pretend you’re really on top of things.
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Family favorites: Tuscan Chicken and Sausage Alfredo (both get 5 stars from my picky eaters)
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Now shipping to: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming
Check out their amazing meal lineup here. And don’t forget, you can always use code MODERNDAD.
Theme Nights: Because Thinking is Hard in May
One of my genius friends decided to make every Monday “Spaghetti Night.” No guessing, no stress. Honestly, you could just stockpile 52 cans of sauce and noodles and call it a win for the year.
Here are a few easy theme night ideas:
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Taco Tuesdays (obviously)
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Breakfast for Dinner Thursdays
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Pizza Fridays (homemade if you’re feeling ambitious… or not)
Taco Tuesdays: Always a Win
Speaking of tacos — they’re basically the Swiss Army knife of dinners. You can customize them, they’re quick, and they somehow keep the whole family happy without too much drama.
Pro tip:
Order the best tortillas you can find (trust me, it makes a difference) and let everyone build their own taco masterpiece.
Taco benefits:
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Fast and easy
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Reheats well for different schedules
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Kids can DIY their toppings (aka no whining)
Crockpot Saves: Set It and Forget It
If you remember to actually put food in the crockpot (no shame, we’ve all forgotten), it’s a complete lifesaver. Here are a few favorites:
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Sloppy Joes Recipe
Perfect for spring/summer with a giant side of watermelon. -
Sheet Pan Chicken Pot Pie
Sneaks in a ton of veggies without a fight. -
Chicken Enchiladas
Tip: Grab a rotisserie chicken from Costco to make it even easier.
Seriously, Costco rotisserie chickens are like a busy parent’s secret weapon.
Dad Tip: Set That Crockpot Reminder
Now, if you’re prone to forgetting the whole “turn the crockpot on” part — been there — set a reminder:
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Calendar alert at 10:00 AM
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Phone alarm labeled “SAVE DINNER”
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Sticky note on your forehead if necessary
There’s nothing worse than realizing at 5 PM that your “dinner plan” is a frozen block of regret sitting in the fridge.
Final Thoughts: Surviving the Springtime Madness
Meal planning during spring isn’t about creating Pinterest-worthy masterpieces. It’s about getting everyone fed, keeping your sanity, and surviving until school’s out.
Whether it’s stocking up on Beehive Meals, hosting a weekly taco night, or setting fifteen alarms to remember the crockpot — it’s all about working smarter, not harder.
Got your own spring survival meal tips? Drop them in the comments — because trust me, we all need the help! And speaking of help, he is a free weekly printable that can help layout the week’s meals.