How a pizza making activity can open the doors to parenting awareness
I was lucky enough to learn about ‘attending’ when my child was still little, in a specialized course for professionals. It was one of those lessons that stayed with me, and I’ve been grateful for it ever since.
Today, I’d like to share a little of what I learned, and I hope that you will try it out during a pizza making activity at The Pizza Room.
What is “attending”?
Attending means giving a child your full, undivided attention, without judging, correcting or trying to control what they do.
Sounds simple, doesn't it?
Well, just wait until your child decides that all the mozzarella belongs in one corner of the pizza.
How to do it
While your child makes their pizza, your job is surprisingly simple: be interested in what they are doing! Be curious of what the result would be if you were not there! So do nothing. Just watch.
Observe what they choose, where they place the ingredients, how they handle the dough, what catches their attention.
Imagine you're a camera, simply recording what happens, without interpreting, judging or interfering.
And here's the difficult part: resist the overwhelming temptation to help!
Don't suggest where the tomato sauce should go. Don't redistribute the cheese. Don't tell them that six olives piled on top of one another might not be the best idea.
Of course, you can step in if they ask for help or something is unsafe. Otherwise, let them lead.
Believe me, this will require more self-control than you think.
If you're struggling, imagine you're not even there. You're simply watching a video of your child making a pizza.
The unexpected bonus
Something quite extraordinary ma happen during this activity.
YOU might realise just how often, even with the best intentions, you try to direct your child's actions towards what you think is right.
By stepping back, you give yourself the opportunity to experience two powerful parenting principles: acceptance and respect.
You may even discover that there's something wonderful about a pizza that looks absolutely nothing like the one you would have made.
YOUR CHILD, meanwhile, gets to experience something equally valuable: your genuine interest in what they're doing, without the pressure of having to please you or get everything right.
It's a small moment of independence, confidence and connection. And these little moments can help build a relationship based on trust and mutual respect.
Ready to try the art of attending?
Bring your little chef to The Pizza Room and discover how much fun a little chaos can be!
Our Kids' Pizza Making Experience includes any adult pizza, a soft drink and a FREE pizza-making kit for your child, all for just £19.40.
Available daily from 12pm, with last orders at 6pm.