Women – Let's Not Wait for Kitchen Praise

Every woman is her dad's little princess or her mom's darling. Whether born rich or poor, parents work hard to fulfill their children's needs, standing by them through every challenge. Compared to men, many women often share a deeper emotional bond with their parents from childhood. Growing up, we create our own little "kingdom" at home, surrounded by love and care. With that same mindset, we step into marriage, full of hope and positivity.

As life unfolds, we learn valuable lessons—adjusting to new people, situations, and challenges. The journey often includes moments of stress, personal growth, and eventually, the joy of motherhood. It’s only when we become parents ourselves that we truly begin to understand the sacrifices our own parents made.

Amid these life transitions, one emotion frequently surfaces—our desire for appreciation, particularly from our family. Many women experience this as they give up careers, financial independence, and outside interactions, gradually narrowing their social circle to focus on family life. As a result, they often look to their family for validation, hoping to feel seen and valued.

It’s normal to seek recognition, but it’s important to remember that happiness is home-made. This doesn’t mean happiness solely comes from our family or home life; it means that it’s something we create for ourselves (self-made). Expecting constant praise, especially from family members, can lead to disappointment. Whether it’s dressing up nicely or doing something exceptional, even if others don’t recognize it, remember to celebrate yourself.

Life is unpredictable, and we can’t control how others behave or respond to us, but we can control how we treat ourselves. You are your best company, and self-appreciation is crucial. However, ladies, let’s also be mindful of one specific area: kitchen praise.

Some family members wholeheartedly appreciate the meals we prepare, while others may offer compliments out of obligation. Yes, cooking is an art, and being good at it is a wonderful accomplishment. But when we rely too heavily on appreciation for our culinary skills, it can limit our sense of self. We may even begin to believe that our only value is in the kitchen. When praise is overwhelming, we might not think about a life beyond cooking, limiting our ambitions.

If you excel at cooking, think of turning it into a business to gain financial independence. Cooking doesn’t have to be just a household duty—it can be a career or a passion that supports your goals. After all, as women, we are amazing multitaskers. We can still cook healthy meals three times a day and chase our own dreams. Think about it.

It’s essential to remember that cooking is a responsibility shared by both men and women for the well-being of the family. Don’t let the praise for your cooking define your worth. Yes, preparing healthy meals is a blessing for your family, but it shouldn’t be the only thing that shapes your identity.

If you find that your contributions in the kitchen aren’t being recognized, take it as an opportunity to explore other talents. You might discover new strengths that could lead to financial independence or personal fulfillment. Setting a strong example for your children by balancing your roles and finding fulfillment outside the kitchen is one of the greatest gifts you can give your family. Cooking is important, but remember, your life has wings beyond the kitchen.

Next time you feel underappreciated for a meal, thank yourself and ask, “What else am I passionate about? How can I turn that into something meaningful?” Being a great mom or wife extends beyond the meals you prepare—it’s about showing your family how to live with purpose, passion, and independence.

Let’s continue to nourish our families, but let’s not forget to nourish our own dreams, too.

Come on, you women—let's bake our dreams to life. Are you ready?