Mom, how much is a bagel? or Home baking with children

You know those innocent questions kids ask? Why is it blue, how many teeth does an earthworm have, why does a toothpick stick and not stick? And the best part is when you ask them questions about price and finances. They usually think in crowns, and if they were your boss, they'd be happy to give you a hundred-a-month raise so you can be royalty.

My friend, she really enjoys these questions. She always uses them as an opportunity to share something new with the kids. So one day when little Beata asked her how much a bagel costs, she didn't get the classic "a few crowns" answer. Instead, she laid the foundation for a tradition that has been going on in their home for five years.

In today's hectic and chaotic times, it is important to find time to relax and connect with family. A friend of mine found that one of the best ways to do this is by baking at home. For her, it's not just the joy of creating delicious treats, but also an opportunity to relax and teach important life skills to her children.

For her, home baking becomes a pleasant escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. I wish you could smell how wonderful it always smells in their home. Yes, strictly speaking, when all the preparation, mixing of dough, shaping, and finishing of the surface takes place, two things usually happen. Something good is created and the whole kitchen and half the younger child get dirty, or vice versa. Still, he always cleans up, makes coffee, and then watches the pastry turn golden.

It's a small miracle for the children and it teaches them from a young age what manual labour is. Just because they buy something doesn't mean it was made without work. They learn how much a bun really costs.

Plus, home baking is a great opportunity to teach children important values and skills. Children who bake with their parents learn patience, precision, and cooperation. They learn how to measure ingredients, mix dough, and choose the right baking tins. These skills not only develop their fine motor skills, but also show them that manual work is valuable and can be a source of joy and pride.

But home baking is not only about the result but also about the process itself. It's about sharing and connecting with family. The discussions over recipes, the laughter and the stories that are born during baking are as valuable as the result itself. It all contributes to a strong family atmosphere and mutual understanding. And in time, an aversion to bought buns, because you just can't compare it to homemade ones.

So take your time, put on your apron, and get to baking together. Your soul and your stomach will thank you for it.

P.S.: Did you know?
The origin of bread dates back to the Neolithic Age, to around 10,000 years BC. Bread making became a part of life for all advanced cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Jews and others. One of the oldest bread ovens has been found in what is now the Czech Republic at Bylan near Olomouc, dating back to approximately between 4 800 and 4 600 BC. So yes, it is one of the oldest traditions in cuisine we know.