When I can't do it for me, I do it for my girls.
I have always been aware that I am their foremost role model. When I get complacent about doing things for me, what spurs me into action is that knowledge that they are learning the good, the bad, and the ugly straight from what I teach them.
As Sondheim said, "careful the things you do, children will see and learn." (Into the Woods
)This is why improving my quality of life has become so important to me, I've actually taken action. That includes taking time for me, living within my budget, laughter and silliness!
Our newest change has been in the kitchen.
I sort of prided myself on not being a "homemaker" when I was a young adult. I was a feminist! Well, guess what? Feminists have to eat, too! X did the cooking when we were together, and frankly, may have been one of the reasons I stayed those last 6 months!
When we were out on our own, I knew I had to do something. We survived with DreamDinners for the majority of these years post-X, but I've had to face that it's just not in my budget anymore. DreamDinners gave me a great foundation to not be terrified of cooking, and I'm starting to build up my own repertoire.
I'm not calling a resolution, but I've told the girls that they're in charge of dinner on weekends. Riley cooks for us on Saturdays, and Sylvia on Sundays. I supervise, of course, but with Sylvia, I'm already pretty hands off. (And, hey, it's sort of a thrill for me to be the one to ask, "what's for dinner?") They were both quite proud of themselves this weekend, and they were also really supportive of each other. It's new, and we'll have to see how well we maintain this, but even if it doesn't end up happening every weekend, I'm more confident that they will have all of the tools and resources they'll need in their adulthood. The girls and I will continue to learn together, and by the time they're grown, we'll all be strong women that can feed ourselves!
Everything I do is for them. And that includes living my life to the fullest.
Read more posts inspired by Take the Cake at the book club site, From Left to Write.
While I was given the book to read for free, I have not been compensated for this post.
7 comments:
That's cool that your girls are in charge of weekend meals. My college kid tells me all the time how surprised she is by how many of her friends don't know how to cook simple meals. This is one of the best skills Sylvia and Riley can learn young.
Lol. Enjoy your apron! Not. I like to cook. Mark was a bit put out when I wanted to buy an apron though. He thinks the food should magically appear, no mess, perfect and tasty and served on air so there will be no dishes. Haven't quite got that down yet.....
Great idea, April! My two like to be as hands on as possible for their age, in the kitchen. They love adding ingredients, getting things I need out of the fridge, etc.
You are teaching them great skills and standards to hold themselves up to. :)
I need to do more as a role model for my daughter. Sometimes I forget that her little eyes are on me all of the time and I need to behave as such!
I love this idea. I'm terrible at cooking and intimidated by it too. Hopefully by getting them started young, you'll raise confident girls who enjoy cooking!
Absolutely! Sounds like you are already living your best life. Congrats!
Very cool, I can't wait until Boy's old enough to make me dinner.
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