I’m really excited because I’ve always loved my career, but there’s something that’s been weighing on me. My son’s eating habits! 
While I’ve been at home, I’ve been able to make sure he eats a balanced diet, veggies, fruits, protein, the works. But now that I’m heading back to work, I’m scared that with less time to cook or supervise, he’s going to end up eating fast food and snacks all the time.
I’m afraid that without my constant attention, he’ll develop bad habits, and it’ll affect his health in the long run. I want him to keep growing strong and healthy, but I don’t know how to balance my responsibilities as a mom with being back at work full-time.
Does anyone else feel this way? How do you manage?
Hi Olivia! It’s great that you’re thinking about this now. My advice is to prep as much as you can ahead of time. I usually spend Sunday afternoons making a batch of healthy meals/snacks for the week. Things like cut-up fruit, boiled eggs, and pre-made sandwiches work wonders. That way, even if I’m super busy during the week, there’s always something ready to grab. You’ve got this, one step at a time!
Hey Olivia, I was in the same boat last year when I started working full-time again. What worked for us was involving my son in meal planning. I let him choose a few healthy options from a list, and we make them together on weekends. He feels more in control, and it’s fun bonding time. Plus, having a rotation of easy to make meals (think pasta with hidden veggie sauce or homemade chicken nuggets) really helps when time is tight. It’s all about finding a rhythm that works for your family
Oh, I hear you, Olivia. I felt so guilty when I first went back to work. My daughter went through a phase where all she wanted was mac and cheese every day. :sweat, smile: What helped me was finding a balance , sometimes it’s okay to have a quick frozen meal as long as there’s a side of veggies. And let’s be real, nobody eats perfectly all the time!
I’ve been there, Olivia. My kids are older now, but when they were younger, I worried about the same thing. One tip that worked for us was introducing a “food chart.” I made it colorful and fun, and they’d get a sticker every time they ate something healthy. It helped them feel excited about making good choices on their own. Over time, they got used to balanced eating, even when I wasn’t around to monitor
one thing that helped my family was finding healthy convenience foods. Pre-washed salads, microwavable veggie steam bags, or yogurt tubes were lifesavers for us. Another thing, I introduced a “snack drawer” filled with healthy options like nuts, granola bars, and dried fruit. My son loved having the freedom to choose his snacks, and I didn’t have to worry because I knew everything in there was good for him!
Thank you all for your replies! The idea of meal prepping and snack drawers sounds amazing, I’ve never thought of that! I think part of my fear is just losing the routine we’ve built, but your tips are giving me hope. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in this. 
totally get it, Olivia. It’s tough to let go of that control, especially when you’ve been doing everything yourself for years. My oldest is 8, and I still have days where I worry if I’m doing enough. Just remember, it’s okay if things aren’t perfect all the time. Kids are resilient, and you’re doing your best!
You all are so kind. Thank you for sharing your experiences , it’s helping me feel less overwhelmed. I’ll definitely try meal prepping and getting my son involved in food choices. I guess it’s about finding the balance, and I’ll get there.
Oh gosh, I feel you. My son went through a phase where he only wanted chicken nuggets and ketchup. 
I swear I could’ve bought stock in frozen nuggets! But it’s funny how these phases come and go. Eventually, they get bored and move on. You’re doing great, hang in there!
Olivia, as a mom of teenagers now, I can tell you one thing: you’re laying a strong foundation by caring about this so much. My kids’ eating habits weren’t perfect when they were younger, but they’ve developed better habits over time because we kept talking about it and modeling healthy choices. Keep doing what you can, and trust that your love and guidance will make a difference in the long run