My Son Loves Baking – When My Mother Shamed Him, I Took A Stand

My 12-year-old son, Kavi, loves baking and excels at it, creating everything from cookies to cakes. However, my mother disapproved, believing baking was “for girls” and constantly criticized him. During a visit before Kavi’s birthday, she smashed his carefully crafted strawberry sponge cake, calling it a “sissy cake” and leaving him in tears. Furious but calm, I confronted her, but she dismissed it, saying she was saving him from being “soft.” I supported Kavi, praising his talent, and our community rallied, offering ovens and ingredients for a new cake. A neighbor, Marta, lent her kitchen, and Kavi baked a stunning vanilla bean sponge with raspberry filling for his party. Everyone loved it, though my mother stayed distant.

Later, Kavi’s baking blog, “Kavi’s Crumbs,” gained traction, and he sold out cupcakes at a school fundraiser. Surprisingly, my mom requested his cookies, admitting she was wrong. She began engaging more, even sending him an apron. During a Diwali visit, they baked together, bonding over stories and saffron-honey tarts. By 14, Kavi auditioned for a TV baking show, and my mom, now his biggest fan, cheered him on. Love and patience helped her heart rise.