I Gave Birth to Julia Child

Okay, maybe not…yet, but give a mom credit for trying. You see, I have a simple philosophy in my sometimes not-so-simple life—kids should know how to feed themselves. And if they actually learn a few culinary skills in the process, boo-yeah—dinner is served, or as Julia would say, bon appétit!

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not talking Boeuf Bourguignon, Coq au Vin, or breaking any child-labor laws here. Sure, Julia was the American queen of French cuisine and I promise I’m not one of those over scheduling alpha-moms trying to churn out a clan of overachieving culinary minions. I’m just happy (especially during the summer months when they’re out of school), if my offspring can flip a piece of French toast or even a grilled cheese sandwich by themselves—some of the first dishes I teach my kiddos. We start with the basics and progress from there. If junior can make scrambled eggs—good. If he can make an omelet—even better.

Now, before I proceed any further, let me clarify a few things…starting with the fact that their dad and I actually do cook most of the meals at our house. I take care of dinner during the week, and my husband, Paco, does weekends (he’s somewhat of a “food whisperer.” Give the guy some seasonings and a slab of meat and he can make any ol’ food behave). But we both work during the week, so if these kids who know how to upload, download, inbox and outsmart any adult when it comes to all-things technical, can’t figure out how to cook something more than microwave popcorn, I’m afraid the zombie apocalypse is already upon us.

Think about it…

Secondly, I’m talking older kids here (although the little tykes are always eager to learn at our side). Currently, my house is populated with five kiddos ranging from 11 to 17…and they’re always hungry. We are in all phases of this momma’s self-feeding campaign at our house. Some are completely self-sufficient while others are a little more resistant.

One day, a certain child-who-shall-remain-unnamed tried to challenge me. “Mom, it’s your job to feed me!” said child with fists on hips.

“No, my dear” (okay, not sure I said the my dear part, but pretty sure it was past lunchtime, I was knee-deep in a huge project, previously mentioned “dear” had spent the day Facebooking and watching Netflix and we both were likely famished), “it’s my job to turn you into a responsible adult. There’s mac and cheese in the pantry or turkey slices in the fridge.”

All I have to say is hunger is a great motivator.

“My Dear” fixed the turkey sandwich and has yet to wither away in starvation.

This is all still a work in progress. Kids will forever be hungry and we have seven years till our two youngest graduate from high school. What are your thoughts when it comes to kids and food? I’d love to hear your ideas on this topic—especially kid-friendly recipes!

 

 

Tamra Torero is wife to Paco, Momma to nine, Grandma of two, Blogger, Bakery Manager, and Author of Shayla Witherwood: A Half-Faerie Tale and co-author of a Christmas novel, The Lost Son, with her oldest son, Preston Norton. She makes (and teaches how to make) a pretty mean French toast, loves the movie, Julie and Julia, and will love you even more if you share this post.