Episode 1: Raising Independent Kids

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About the episode

In this episode, Toria and Julian Frederick of The Step Stool Chef share what it’s like when the kiddo is the head chef (and the parent is the sous chef). We also talk about the role that cooking plays in building independent, self-sufficient kids. And in our second segment, Wendy McGowan, a baker and baking instructor in Gilbert, Ariz., tells us the proper way to crack an egg, check that it’s safe and remove the bits of shell that inevitably get in the bowl.

MEET OUR GUESTS

Toria started cooking with her son based on the desire to nurture his independent spirit and natural curiosity for cooking. Now she is helping parents everywhere unlock the potential and passion in their kids. As co-founders of The Step Stool Chef, she and her son are building a platform dedicated to celebrating kid independence and leadership.

Since the age of 2, Julian has had a love for cooking. He started making his own cakes at age 3. As he has gotten older, he now uses cooking as his outlet for creativity and independence. He helps make sure that the recipes, product recommendations and tools used at The Step Stool Chef are right for all kids.


Episode highlights

3:23 – Meet Toria Frederick of The Step Stool Chef

4:53 – How cooking teaches leadership and independence

14:13 – Toria helps us chill out and actually do this

16:08 – Kitchen Questions Lightning Round with Toria

18:58 – Professional baker Wendy McGowan explains the proper way to break an egg

19:56 – How to get the pieces of shell out of the bowl

24:32 – Final thoughts

Our favorite quotes from the episode

“But one of the things that I have learned is that we think that our job is to raise self-sufficient, independent adults. The process of doing that, we underestimate what kids can do now versus thinking that certain skills or behaviors are going to evolve as they get older.” — Toria Frederick

“I have kids that are more confident, not just in the kitchen, but you see that confidence in other areas in their lives … It really is about confidence, independence and self sufficiency.” — Toria Frederick

“I've learned that it's more important that success looks like them completing the steps as much as possible on their own.” — Toria Frederick

“In the beginning, you have to treat cooking almost like you would an arts and crafts project. Once you switched your mind-set when it's time to do the fun arts and crafts, you already know that you have to mentally set time. You have to put all the supplies out ahead of time to make it as easy as possible. You know there's going to be a mess. You almost have to train your mind beginning to treat cooking like it's an arts and craft activity time, versus it's a chore that needs to get done.” — Toria Frederick

“You want the flat surface because it will crack the shell, but it will keep the shell attached to the membrane, which keeps the shell out of your bowl.” — Wendy McGowan