Melissa Robinson

Mini meatballs, veggie fried rice, and banana oat pancakes reheat well.

landed on seven meals a day with one eighth cup for most drops and slow feed on :) First at six in the morning, last at ten at night, with one tiny buffer at two in the morning to stop the dawn wake up. He quit puking after three days. Freeze dried bits do not go in the hopper anymore. I sprinkle a pinch after the motor stops so nothing jams. A thin silicone mat under the feeder killed the bounce scatter and the noise. Small changes, big win.

Use a warm greeting plus a firm time boundary, then physically keep moving. Say something like Hi, great to see you, I am running out and only have two minutes, so walk with me to the car. After work, try I just got home and need to start dinner right away, let me catch you another time. Keep your body pointed where you are going, keys in hand, and take a step as you speak to signal you cannot stop. Close with a friendly exit line such as I have to run now, enjoy your afternoon. Offer a specific future window so it does not feel like a brush off. For example, I am free most Fridays after six, or I take a walk around ten on Saturday if you want to catch up then. If they push past your time limit, smile and interrupt yourself with I have to go now, and then leave. You are not rude for enforcing the limit. Be consistent by using the same wording for a few weeks, carrying headphones or a coffee cup as a visual cue, and padding your departure by one minute so you feel less rushed and more in control.