Father's Day Breakfast

Two summers ago I decided to start teaching my older boys how to cook. I could cook breakfast foods at their age so I figured even though they are boys they could too. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, boys serve missions at 18 years old. I like my kids to know why they do things, so I explained to them they were preparing to leave on their missions by learning to cook. That summer I helped them read recipes, prepare the food, and then we would copy the recipe for them to put in a file of their own.

Teaching kids to be self sufficient usually seems more work than it is worth. That summer my husband and I had breakfast in bed from our sweet boys and their helpful younger siblings numerous times. I agonized when I heard dishes clanking early in the mornings. I knew I was in for a huge mess-even though I taught them to clean as they went. If I tried to intercept them and gently suggest we have cereal, I was commanded back to bed in their exuberant spirit of joyful service. We also ate many an invention and recipe gone wrong, for instance chocolate french toast and pancakes made with three times the oil. Sometimes they would make every recipe in their repertoire!

Father's Day morning I woke up really sick. My boys, now adept at making breakfast, served their father and the family a perfect breakfast of french toast. They cleaned it up and started the dishwasher too! I was humbled and so very grateful. They did a fabulous job! All of my effort and sacrifice seemed worth it in one morning.

This Father's Day I received the gift of knowing that teaching my children, putting forth the effort of helping them become self-sufficient, and spending time with them is satisfying. Seeing my children progress and serve others using talents and abilities I helped them develop brings a serene joy. It really is hard and takes diligent and concerted effort to take the time to teach them, whether it is chores, respect, manners, testimony, or talents. Sometimes you feel they will never actually learn, and often it is easier to just do everything yourself. Especially with so many kids and the prospect of teaching the same principles over and over, the mere thought is daunting. But, know this: the reward does come. It is thrilling to see them be so capable and wonderful!