In my culinary pursuits, I often find myself reaching out to my mother for guidance, whether it’s about selecting the right ingredients, choosing an appropriate pan, or ensuring the oven is at the correct temperature. My mother is an exceptional cook, renowned for her delicious chicken parmigiana and her homemade pizza, which has become a staple on Christmas Eve. I used to believe she could easily start a pizzeria, but what truly impresses me is her intuitive approach to cooking. While she possesses a collection of well-loved cookbooks, her advice often stems from personal experience rather than strict adherence to recipes.
This sense of intuition extends to her parenting style with me and my siblings. Now as a parent of three myself, I recognize the importance of trusting my instincts over rigid guidelines. There are days when I feel the weight of self-interest creeping in, longing for a moment to myself. Yet, I often reflect on the selflessness my mother exhibited while raising us. I’m sure she had her tough moments, but her unwavering commitment to our needs stood out. Whether it was driving us to various activities or managing endless laundry, she was always present and attentive—even when we were moody teenagers, reluctant to articulate our needs.
As I navigate parenthood, I occasionally ponder, “This is probably karma for how I behaved as a child.” However, more frequently, after encountering a challenge with my kids, I think, “I should have approached that differently, like Mom would have.” Her exemplary parenting serves as a benchmark for me—both as a mother and now as a grandmother, a role she embraces effortlessly.
If left alone with some chicken, eggs, bread crumbs, cheese, and sauce, I might manage to whip up a chicken parmigiana. But I am grateful to have my mother’s wisdom guiding me toward achieving even a fraction of her culinary excellence. For those interested in more information about home insemination, check out our other posts like this one. Additionally, for authoritative advice, visit Make A Mom and IVF Babble.
In summary, the journey of both cooking and parenting is enriched by the lessons passed down through generations. My mother’s approach to both has shaped my own practices, illustrating that the heart of nurturing—whether through food or family—often lies in instinct and love.