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Whether your family tree is firmly rooted or missing some of its branches, Mother’s Day is a perfect opportunity to love ourselves. It can be a time of great joy and celebration, but can also be a difficult time and at Freedom Kitchen we honor you wherever you are.
There is an idyllic version of what Mother’s Day looks like, starting with the kids making mom breakfast in bed, then going to mom’s favorite restaurant, followed by family photos for the social media post. Stop right there! GASP!
Oh no!
The kids are in the kitchen ….
you are holding your breath ….
listening intently to hear what they are getting into ….
cupboard doors banging ….
glass bowls clanging …
the whirl of the mixer ….
wondering what they may break ….
praying no one gets hurt ….
knowing the kitchen is going to look like a cyclone hit ….
and you’ll have to clean it up ….
but here they come, so act surprised and pleased ….
Ok, maybe this was just me, but I’m sure others feel the same way. (If nothing else, I hope it made you laugh!)
It’s no wonder that most moms want alone time, which may be at a local spa or out wine tasting, but then will feel guilty about that. Nothing against spa treatments or a shopping spree, but let’s see if we can address the issue and share one of my favorite virtual Mother’s Day ideas.
The Gift of Your Time
As a new mom I truly did not understand the gift of time. My kids were middle school students before I slowed down from career building … and the story above would’ve been far different had I taught them how to cook.
Our job, after all, is to raise independent children. Independence is an essential life skill that can help children develop confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. In another post I will continue to share more on the gift of time and why Millennials prefer experiences over things.
The Benefits of an Online Cooking Class
On your special day, consider taking a cooking class, by yourself or invite guests. Of course, if it’s possible to cook with your mom, or mother figures, or your kids, that could be a lovely experience but feeding ourselves is how we nourish and love ourselves.
Beyond the obvious benefits, of not having to leave home… cooking classes provide inspiration, as well as instruction. With many classes available on an online platform it’s easier than ever to take a class in your own kitchen. Freedom Kitchen uses streaming services to provide online cooking classes to families.
Create Your Own Happy Hour
Cooking together is a great opportunity to connect and create together, spending quality time with family members while allowing a teacher to provide instruction. In my experience, when you and your child are both listening to the “teacher” the typical parent-child dynamic is relaxed and you are a bit more on equal footing. Allowing your child to learn and participate makes them feel respected and they go the extra mile! It never ceases to amaze me how well kids learn new things and they are so proud of their finished product!
Regardless of age group, here are a couple of options:
- Freedom Kitchen Cooking Program(s)
- Katie at Kitchen Stewardship created Kids Cook Real Food
- and check out her Mother’s Day Breakfast Challenge!
In this short list of virtual mother / child classes, you can rest assured that these are a perfect way to learn healthy cooking!
Locally, you may be able to find health coaches who teach healthy cooking classes, but my disclaimer is that most cooking classes are not healthy and can do more harm than good.
Kids are marketed sugary foods because they are a lucrative market for the food industry. Children are often drawn to sugary foods because they have a natural preference for sweet tastes and are not yet aware of the negative health effects* of consuming too much sugar.
So beware of the cake and cookie decorating classes – which are nothing but sugar!
Suffering my own health crisis and now coaching for more than a decade, I know this is a massive challenge and the answer is simple … get back in the kitchen … go back to basics.
Why Cooking Could be the Single Most Important Skill To Teach
Cooking is often thought of as just a practical life skill, but it’s so much more than that. Cooking has the power to positively impact a child’s life in numerous ways, making it a truly valuable skill for them to learn.
Here are some of the reasons why cooking could be the single most important skill your child learns:
- Improves Health: Cooking at home allows the whole family to make healthier food choices, as they have control over the ingredients and cooking methods used. This can help them develop healthy eating habits the easy way.
- Boosts Confidence: Cooking is a hands-on activity that allows children to take control of their food and feel proud of what they have created. Being a helping hand in the kitchen can help build their confidence and self-esteem.
- Teaches Critical Thinking: Cooking requires children to think critically and problem-solve. From following recipes to adjusting cooking times and temperatures, children are challenged to think creatively and use their problem-solving skills in the kitchen.
- Enhances Budgeting Skills: Cooking at home is often more cost-effective than eating out, and it allows children to learn about budgeting and money management. They can learn to plan meals and grocery shop efficiently, saving money and reducing waste.
- Promotes Cultural Awareness: Mamma Mia! Cooking and trying new foods from different cultures can broaden children’s horizons and help them understand and appreciate cultural diversity.
- Improves Math Skills: Cooking requires the use of math, including measuring, counting, and multiplying ingredients. This can help children build their math skills and make math more engaging and fun.
- Encourages Creativity: Cooking allows children to express their creativity and experiment with new flavors and ingredients. This is a great way for them develop their creativity and imagination, and also foster a love for food and cooking.
Happy Mother’s Day To You!
Mothers are the backbone of the family, the community builders, the nurturers, providing love, support, and guidance to their children. They are often the ones who stay up late at night, comforting their children when they are sick or afraid. They are the ones who cheer on their cheerleaders and basketball players showing up to all the school events with the signs and pom poms. They are the ones who teach their children important life lessons and values …
make sure you add cooking to that list!
Wasn’t it Steven Covey in 7 Habits of Highly Effective People who said, “when on my deathbed I won’t wish I would’ve worked more” ….. I was so highly driven and lost sight of the gift of time.
As of this writing I am fortunate to still have my mom and look forward to spending time with her cooking and planting flowers (and with my dad, in his garden, but more on that at Father’s Day). And I now have adult children that I’m still teaching how to cook! Honestly, it’s a great day when they come over and I still get to cook for them! They will always be my babies.
Mother’s Day activities can be as unique as you! I hope you spend it in a meaningful way.
