Take Care Like a Parent
There’s a reason airlines tell you to put your own oxygen mask on first. Not because you matter more—but because if you’re gasping for air, you’re no good to anyone else. Parents give so much of themselves. They sacrifice time, energy, sleep, and space. It’s part of the job. But even the most loving parent […]
Let Go Like a Parent
Parents start by doing everything—tying shoes, zipping jackets, holding little hands across the street. But eventually, kids have to try things on their own. Even when it’s messy. Even when it’s hard to watch. Stepping back can feel wrong, but it’s what allows them to build confidence and learn what they’re capable of. That same […]
Celebrate Small Wins Like a Parent
When you’re raising a human from scratch, everything is new. Holding a spoon, taking a step, babbling a word that almost sounds like something real—it all gets celebrated. And it should. That’s how kids learn what matters. They try, someone cheers, and their brain says: “Let’s do more of that.” Parents don’t wait for perfection. […]
Lead by Example Like a Parent
One of the biggest lessons we learn from parents doesn’t come from what they say—it comes from what they do. Children may hear rules and guidance, but what really shapes them is the behavior they’re surrounded by. When kids see patience, they learn patience. When they’re spoken to with kindness, they internalize kindness. When a […]
Use the Right Tool Like a Chef
Sometimes when I cook, I flip the food in the pan with my fingers. Not because it’s the best way—but because I don’t want to dirty a spatula or a pair of tongs. To keep going, I end up reaching for whatever’s nearby—a fork, a spoon, the wrong lid—just so I don’t have to clean […]
Find Patience Like a Chef
Patience is tough—especially in the kitchen, where waiting feels optional. I’ve been completely full by the time I finished cooking a meal, just from all the tasting. I’ve thrown ingredients into the pot too soon, turned the heat up too high, or skipped steps because I was too impatient to wait. But every time I […]
Adapt Like a Chef
The best chefs don’t just follow recipes—they understand them. They know why certain flavors work together, why some ingredients can be swapped and others can’t, and how small tweaks can take a dish from good to great. It’s not about reinventing the wheel every time—it’s about mastering the basics so they can adapt, experiment, and […]
Season Like a Chef
A little bit of salt changes a dish. It always surprises me. Even food that didn’t turn out great can sometimes be improved with a small adjustment—just a pinch of salt. It’s such a tiny thing, but it brings out flavors, balances bitterness, and makes everything work together just a little better. I have to […]
Prepare Like a Chef
In professional kitchens, chefs rely on a practice called mise en place—a French phrase meaning “everything in its place.” It’s the first step before cooking even begins. Ingredients are prepped, tools are ready, and every component is within reach. This isn’t about making cooking slower—it’s about making it smoother, more efficient, and more adaptable when things […]
Organize Like a Kindergartener
In kindergarten, organization wasn’t complicated. We had cubbies, labeled bins, and cleanup time built into the day. Everything had a place, and we knew where to find it. No one expected perfection—we had simple systems that made life easier. As an adult, I thought this was unnecessary and that organization was for rigid, overly structured […]
