I Missed What the Kitchen Could Teach My Kids—Here’s What I Wish I’d Known Sooner

It’s been a while since I introduced myself, and a lot has happened since then—not just in my kitchen, but in how I see its place in yours.

Over the past few years, as I’ve taught families like yours the MMK Method, something has become clearer than ever: the kitchen isn’t just where we cook. It’s where we connect, reflect, and lay the foundation for how we raise our families. Growing up, the kitchen was my mom’s happy place. She brought us along to farm markets, let us help cook, and made sure we sat down to dinner most nights. We talked, argued, laughed—it was messy, meaningful, and full of connection.

With my own kids, it was a different story. I owned restaurants, and family meals were rare. If I made it home, it was often chaotic—sports, homework, last-minute grocery runs, and dinner was usually takeout. Cooking with love? It just didn’t happen. Why am I telling you this?

Because I now understand not just what my kids missed out on, but what I missed as a parent. The kitchen held an opportunity I didn’t fully see back then—to teach life lessons, to model values, and to connect in ways that didn’t feel forced. Just natural, meaningful moments born from being together, doing something simple but powerful.

And if you’re anything like I was—busy, stretched thin, doing your best to keep everyone fed and everything moving—you might not see that opportunity either. It’s easy to overlook when life is loud and schedules are full.

But here’s the thing: it’s not about making perfect meals or creating picture-perfect moments. It’s about reclaiming small windows of connection each day.

The truth is, the kitchen is one of the most underused tools we have for building strong families. And it’s never too late—or too early—to use it with more purpose.

That’s what My Mindful Kitchen is all about. Helping you slow down. Invite your kids in. And create space for real conversations, emotional growth, and yes—even joy.

Click here to learn more about the My Mindful Kitchen (MMK) Method.