Can too much care make things worse? Is abdicating responsibility in a moment ever the right answer?
I ask myself both of these questions most Fridays.
My dad is down making breakfast, often something I’d never feed my kids. Carbs galore, a bit of fruit (maybe), no protein.
G is here moving around our unnaturally cramped kitchen.
My wife is starting her day later, since it’s Friday so she’s there, too.
And I’ve taken to watching with my coffee in hand. It’s too stressful otherwise.
Why?
Too many caregivers in the kitchen creates chaos.
Now this is a great problem to have, I know. So many people on one day to help my kids and us.
But here’s the rub. The adage too many cooks in the kitchen is apt. It gets confusing. No one knows who’s in charge. And my youngest daughter in particular can get confused if there’s conflict – usually over the protein, which I defend!
So on Friday, after years of trying to make this alliance of care work, I stepped back. I drank my coffee and started answering emails.
Was this a great solution? No. But it worked. There were still three adults in the kitchen. But one less reduced the command and control around the daughters.
What do you think? Do you ever feel that too many helpers are too much? Or do you think that it’s better to have more people pitching in than having to juggle it all alone. Email me and let me know.
