A Confession of a Stay-at-Home Dad... "I can't cook".

Switching roles has certainly had its difficulties when it comes to household duties. When I was working outside the home, I helped around the house. I helped with the laundry, cleaning, dishes, the kids, ect. The key word here is “helped”--my wife was doing the lion's share of the household duties. Now that our roles are reversed, the hardest part for me is the cooking. I suck at it—always have. I’m sure I could do it well if I applied myself, but I’m an instant gratification kind of guy when it comes to food. I made it through college without making mac and cheese. Why bother with a stove when cold cereal was available? That was bachelorhood--families are quite different. With the kids, I take care of breakfast and lunch. I’m embarrassed to say that my wife is still doing the bulk of the dinner cooking. I'm hoping to change that. My only consolation is I’m pretty good at breakfast--except for my first attempt at waffles (as evidenced by the photo). I’ll stick with pancakes and french toast.

Comments

[Nick]

What? That looks fine to me.

I sort of know how you feel. I am about to move away from friends and family and I can't cook (well... do Poptarts count?). This should be interesting.

[Dan Tudor]

John, John, John...

One word for you, buddy: Eggo

Also, let me recommend not cooking with your feet. Use your hands. You'll avoid a lot of the spilling and mess that way.

I am impressed, though, that you managed to completely encase the waffle maker in batter. You should have just called the kids over, poured some syrup all over it, and just them eat it clean.

[Shannon]

If it makes you feel any better, as sson as I saw that picture, I said "Hey - that's a waffle!!".

Mine look similar. Maybe it's the teflon coating on the waffle maker going kaput?

Shannon

[Katie Fries]

I found your blog through Bill Ekhardt's blog. As a SAHM, I've enjoyed hearing your take enjoy on stay-at-home parenting from a father's perspective.

I was a terrible cook when I left work three years ago. A cereal and yogurt kind of gal. I'm surprised at how far I've come in such a short time. May I recommed www.thenaptimegourmet.com, a recipe blog for busy parents (I'm a contributor). Most recipes are family-friendly and easy to prepare.

[John Sloas]

Katie--thanks for the url. I'll check it out!

[Terri Hammond]

Come on now John - you can cook!! After all, you were my manager at Giovannis. True, you ordered us all around - but I remember that you could put together a pizza pretty well and bake it too!!

Your family is beautiful. I'm very happy for you. My husband and I are in Los Banos pastoring a great church and I am a Worship Leader. We're very happy here. My boy's are now in High School. Wow! How time flies!!
What's new with you? Are you still in the mountains with your family? Do you still have plans for the ministry? Whichever it is I am sure you are very happy. It is evident in the pictures!!
Just thought Id say hi!