3 Life Lessons from Making Pancakes

 

    Sometimes life’s lessons can be learned from the most unsuspecting things. Take yesterday's breakfast for example. My son decided that it’s time he learned to make pancakes all by himself. 

    So I took a step back, pitching in only when asked. This has not always been easy for me but that is a topic for another post. As the pile of squished and slightly burnt pieces (see image above) grew, my son finally turned to me with a look of exasperation on his face.

    In that moment I realized that this scenario can only end in three possible ways.

 

First,

FRUSTRATED CHILD = MELTDOWN = UPSET PARENT

 

Second,

PARENT TAKES OVER = PANCAKES TURN OUT BETTER = CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM DEFLATES

 

and Third,

PARENT USES OPPORTUNITY TO AS A JUMP-OFF POINT TO INTRODUCE SOME BASIC TRUTHS THAT LEAD TO A MINDFUL LIFE = CHILD FEELS SUPPORTED AND CONTINUES WITH THE TASK AS PARENT STANDS CLOSE BY

 

I chose the third scenario because it is the one that I thought had the least bad vibes. That and I find it counterproductive to start the day with a grumpy child. So here are the three things that I shared with my son. If you are so inclined, please feel free to share these with yours the next time both of you are in the kitchen.

 

1. Read the recipe before you begin.

It pays when you take the time to do things properly, to not rush. Like when you read a recipe, you learn the steps you need to do and when to do them. Because of this, you are less likely to make a mistake. You will begin to notice the nice things happening in front of you- the powdery soft flour or the swirl of the egg yolk as it mixes with the batter. Because your heart is light and you have a smile on your face, your pancakes will probably turn out better than you expect.

 

2. Wait for the edges to bubble before you turn the pancake over. If you turn it over too soon, your pancake will be runny. Too late, and it will become crunchy.

The condition of the pancake as a direct consequence is a great way to show a child the value of waiting and being consistent. Always wait for the bubbles to form before you flip. Too soon = runny. Too late = crunchy.

 

3. Slowly slide the turner or spatula under the pancake. Before you flip it, look at what’s on the pan so you will have an idea of where it will end up.

Each time my son flips his pancake, it ends up not where it’s supposed to, like on top of another pancake or almost off the pan. This was a source of such frustration that after the sixth try, he gave the turner to me. I figured he was getting impatient and his mind has turned to other things, most likely his toys. So we paused for a bit.  Then with a smile, I showed him how to properly turn his pancakes again. Living a more mindful and intentional life means you are always aware of what you are doing, you're not thinking of other things. You are present, you are there at that exact moment.