Commuter Mom: My New Best Friend

I’d like to say that my daughter never watches television, but I’d be telling a lie. Up until now, she would watch the typical shows – Curious George, Super Why, Sid the Science Kid. Pretty much anything on PBS is fair game. But then, she found me watching Top Chef re-runs and now she is obsessed with cooking shows. I really don’t think it is a passing fancy as it has been going on for a while now. Currently, her favorite show is America’s Test Kitchen.

That may have changed last night. We had a tough night. There were lots of tears for no apparent reason. There was running, there was dinner in the trash due to lack of interest and bad manners, and there were more tears. And, then there was Rachael Ray. My husband put on The Food Network in hopes that it would distract our preschooler from her tears. It was like magic. My daughter was the quietest, most well-behaved little girl as long as Rachael was teaching her how to make burgers. She loved watching her measure (sort of) and mix. We talked about frying and ovens. It was the first time she’s really watched TV with commercials, so there was a little bit of confusion when Rachael “left.” But, we worked through it. And we made plans to bake cookies for her teachers this weekend. Chocolate cookies.

Much to my husband’s dismay (he would rather watch a little Giada), I think Rachael Ray may have to become an honorary member of our family…or at least a part of our family TV rotation.