Dylan Dreyer is known to millions as the bright and energetic meteorologist on NBC’s Today show, delivering weather reports and heartwarming personality to morning viewers. But when she steps away from Studio 1A’s cameras, Dylan shifts into a different role—one that many parents understand all too well. As a busy mom of three young boys, she is constantly navigating that complicated blend of exhaustion, joy, and the never-ending challenge of trying to keep kids entertained and well-fed.

This week, Dylan gave her followers a candid look behind the scenes of her everyday life at home. Sharing two humorous and relatable posts on Instagram, she revealed that not even a national TV personality is immune to parenting frustrations—whether it’s tackling complicated board games or preparing meals you’re sure your kids will hate.

In the first post, Dylan documented a moment that many parents have dealt with: trying to play a children’s board game that somehow turns into a battle between rules, missing pieces, and patience.

The meteorologist posted photos and a clip of herself with her three sons—eight-year-old Calvin, five-year-old Ollie, and three-year-old Rusty—attempting to make sense of the classic game Mouse Trap. It didn’t take long before the chaos set in.

Alongside the footage, she wrote:

“Has anyone ever actually played the game how it’s supposed to be played??? Most frustrating game on the planet.”

Fans immediately flooded the comment section with sympathy and laughter. One follower wrote:

“Is that Mouse Trap?! Ohhhh I loved that game as a kid!”

But not everyone remembered the game fondly. Another parent admitted:

“I HID that game!!! It’s still in our game closet; I am happy to donate it.”

Many warned her of what comes next—tiny plastic parts scattered throughout the house for years.

“I can’t remember but I’m sure you’ll be finding its pieces all over the place for the next 5 years!”

It was the perfect example of what makes Dylan so beloved outside of the studio—she doesn’t pretend parenting is picture-perfect. She embraces the mess, the frustration, and the hilarious reality that sometimes playtime feels like a competitive sport.

In a second post, Dylan turned from board game chaos to dinner-time dilemmas. She proudly displayed a countertop filled with ingredients for a homemade lentil soup—healthy, hearty, and definitely something children are famous for turning their noses up at.

With a tone familiar to any parent who has ever rushed home to cook only to hear immediate complaints, she wrote:

“I mean, I KNOW my kids are not going to eat lentil soup. So why do I bother???
Why am I rushing home between appointments to whip up lentil soup that everyone is going to complain about?
Because maybe there’s a CHANCE…”

Her followers cheered her on with encouragement—and a few creative suggestions.

One supportive fan replied:

“I’m with you! I always try anyway, hoping.”

Another shared a reward-based system for picky eaters:

“Each time they try a new food, they get a sticker. Five stickers = weekend movie night!”

Others offered flavor enhancements:

“Bacon will surely make them want to eat some… might have to add that to mine next time!”

Another commenter reminded Dylan that kids develop tastes over time:

“Cook real and good foods that you like, and those foods will become their favorites too.”

To everyone’s surprise—including Dylan’s—her big gamble paid off. In a follow-up video capturing her sons’ reactions, she celebrated a rare victory:

“SOUP SUCCESS!!! All 3 liked the lentil soup and ate it all!!
Moral: don’t give up… keep trying new things.
Actual moral: totally got lucky. Guaranteed they won’t eat the leftovers tomorrow!”

The moment felt triumphant, heartfelt, and entirely relatable to anyone who’s ever spent an evening convincing kids to take “just one bite.”

While Dylan was winning at home this week, she also stepped into a different role on morning television. On Tuesday, she filled in for her colleague Al Roker, appearing earlier in the program alongside Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie. Though she is typically a key personality during the 3rd Hour of Today, her temporary shift highlighted her versatility within the broadcast team.

Al’s brief absence came just after a major announcement that has the Today crew and viewers buzzing. Later this month, the show is traveling to New Orleans for a special broadcast in celebration of Mardi Gras.

Al shared the exciting news on air:

“We are taking the show on the road to New Orleans… to celebrate Mardi Gras in the Big Easy. We’re going to take in the parades, festivities, sights, sounds, and tastes of the city.”

Fans can even join the celebration by attending the taping or participating in Taste of New Orleans, a brand-new culinary event featuring local chefs and iconic Louisiana flavors.

Between her professional commitments and the non-stop pace of raising three energetic boys, Dylan Dreyer continues to show what balance looks like—real balance. Not perfect. Not always successful. But full of effort, humor, and love.

Her latest posts struck a chord because they capture something universal:

Parents everywhere try, hope, and sometimes fail—only to get up and try again.

Whether she’s laughing through Mouse Trap mayhem or celebrating a hard-earned dinnertime win, Dylan gives families watching at home the comforting reminder that even TV stars live the same everyday moments.

And sometimes… lentil soup does get eaten after all.