Ever caught yourself standing in front of the fridge, wondering what on earth to make for dinner while also mentally juggling a dozen other things? Me too! The mental load is all too familiar — the often invisible, never-ending responsibility of managing all the planning, organizing, and anticipating it takes to keep life running smoothly.
When it comes to feeding everyone, the actual cooking is often the smallest piece of the puzzle. The real challenge? Figuring out what to make, making grocery lists, keeping the kitchen stocked, and trying to please everyone’s tastes — that’s the mental load we don’t always recognize but definitely feel. It’s no wonder so many of us think, “I don’t know if I can commit to a meal planning routine!”
But we all have to eat… so at some point, we have to decide what to eat! And while it can feel like a burden when one person carries all the meal-planning weight, it doesn’t have to be. What if planning meals could be a collaborative effort that brings everyone to the table (literally!) instead of a source of stress? Imagine a home where everyone knows what’s for dinner, contributes to the plan, and helps make it happen. Sounds dreamy, right?
Here are five ways to share the mental load of meal planning with your family, and how Fraîche Table can make it a whole lot easier (and maybe even fun!).
1. Make Sure Everyone Knows What’s on the Menu
There’s something so satisfying about knowing what’s for dinner — no more last-minute “What should we have?” or the classic “I didn’t know we were having that!” When everyone in the household can see the plan, it reduces stress and boosts excitement (even for picky eaters!). I’ve noticed that when my kids know what’s coming up, they’re more open to trying new dishes. Display your weekly meal plan in the kitchen or view it in Fraîche Table (everyone in your house can share the same account), and suddenly mealtime feels more like a team effort and less like a solo mission.
2. Browse Recipes and Pick Favourites
Invite your family to help choose recipes. If you’re a Fraîche Table member, explore the Recipe Library and let your family pick out their top choices. When everyone has a say, there’s more buy-in at mealtime, and you’re not left guessing what will actually get eaten. This can also help them get excited for meals. Since Fraîche Table works on multiple devices, everyone can browse recipes and save favourites, making it quicker to customize your week when you need to.
3. Get Everyone Involved in Planning the Week
Set aside time to plan meals together — whether it’s over Sunday morning pancakes or a quick family huddle. Take a look at the week ahead: Who’s cooking each night? Which evenings are extra busy and might need a quick or make-ahead meal? Is there a recipe someone’s excited to try? When meal planning is a shared activity, it feels more like teamwork and less like a chore. Use Fraîche Table to make meal planning quick and easy!
4. Efficient Grocery Shopping
Once your menu is set, it’s time to make your grocery list based on the recipes you’ve selected. Fraîche Table automatically creates a grocery list that anyone in the family can access — whether they’re at home or already out shopping. If you’re not already using online grocery shopping, this can be a huge time-saver and help take one more task off your plate! Before you shop you’ll want to check off items from your list you already have at home. This an easy one to delegate to a household member! I’ve turned it into a scavenger hunt for my boys some weeks to help see what pantry items we already have.
5. Share the Cooking
When everyone can see the plan, it’s easier to collectively make it happen. Maybe your partner always does taco night while your teenager tackles pasta dishes. Fraîche Table’s clear, easy-to-follow recipes mean even less experienced cooks can step in confidently. When cooking is a shared effort, it’s a win-win — everyone builds a little kitchen confidence and feels more connected at mealtime.
Lighten the Load Together
Sharing the mental load of meal planning is all about communication, teamwork, and making it accessible to everyone. It’s about bringing back family dinners that everyone enjoys without the stress, and Fraîche Table simplifies the process so you can lighten the load together!
Ready to give it a try? Click HERE to start a 10-day free trial and see just how easy it can be to plan, prep, and enjoy meals as a team!
