The Real Dish: Navigating Food Blogging as a Work-at-Home Mom with a Toddler

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible moms and mothers-to-be! Today, as we celebrate the unwavering love, dedication, and boundless energy of mothers everywhere, I wanted to share a slice of my own life – a candid look behind the scenes of what it truly means to be a work-at-home mom, juggling a passion for food blogging with the delightful, yet demanding, presence of my toddler son, Grant.

Being a work-at-home mom (WAHM) is a unique blend of dedication and chaos. It’s not quite the full-time stay-at-home mom experience, nor is it the traditional full-time working mom routine. Instead, it’s a constant dance between professional aspirations and the beautiful, unpredictable demands of early childhood. While the flexibility and the ability to be present for my son are invaluable advantages, it also means that my workspace often overlaps with his play space, leading to some truly memorable, and sometimes utterly hilarious, moments.

The Work-at-Home Mom Paradox: Challenges and Unconventional Strategies

The WAHM life, particularly in a creative field like food blogging, comes with its own set of paradoxes. On one hand, I have the privilege of setting my own hours and being physically present for my son’s milestones. On the other hand, my “office” is often my kitchen or dining table, which means constant temptations to tackle household chores – a load of laundry calling, dinner needing to be started, or a sink full of dishes demanding attention. When you add a spirited toddler to the mix, traditional work hours become a distant memory.

For many WAHMs, including myself, nap times and late nights often become the prime work hours. It’s during these quiet stretches that I can truly dive into recipe development, writing, and the extensive editing process that food photography demands. Yet, amidst the solo sprints, there are also those precious, if somewhat less productive, moments when Grant and I manage to “work” together, transforming everyday tasks into shared adventures.

And let me be clear: I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The opportunity to build my dream while nurturing my child at home is a profound blessing. The journey is messy, unpredictable, and sometimes downright chaotic, but it’s filled with genuine joy and invaluable lessons. I’m thrilled to share a glimpse into our workdays – the fun, the challenges, and the utterly adorable interruptions that define our unique dynamic.

Food Photography with a Side of Toddler Enthusiasm

Food photography requires precision, patience, and often, an undisturbed environment. However, when your assistant is a rapidly growing toddler, the rules tend to change. Grant is now remarkably fast at climbing onto tables and chairs. Capturing the perfect shot before his curious hands reach for the beautifully arranged food has become an Olympic sport. More often than not, my camera catches him mid-reach, transforming a perfectly styled scene into a heartwarming, authentic snapshot of our reality.

A Journey Through Our Kitchen Chronicles: Grant’s Evolving Role

It’s fascinating to look back and see how Grant’s involvement in my work has evolved. Over a year ago, things felt considerably simpler. Grant was smaller, less mobile, and content to observe from his high chair or a play mat. I could even film video tutorials right next to him without fear of a sudden ingredient grab or a prop rearrangement!

Then, his curiosity blossomed. He started taking a keen interest in the tools of my trade, particularly the camera. It quickly became more than just a shiny object; it was a fascinating device that he loved to “operate” himself.

The Sweet Perks of the Job: Snacking and Taste-Testing

One of the undeniable perks of working with a food blogger? Constant access to delicious snacks! On our “work” days, snacking on the job isn’t just permitted; it’s practically encouraged. It’s a fantastic way to keep little hands and mouths busy, and to introduce him to a wide array of flavors and textures.

And of course, taste testing on set is also a crucial part of the process – for both of us! I consider it a vital research step. Our recent encounter with the Supreme Chocolate Cheesecake, for instance, was met with enthusiastic approval. It was undeniably delish!

Toddler Logic: Finding Joy in the Unexpected

Sometimes, what I consider the main event is entirely overshadowed by something seemingly trivial in Grant’s eyes. A majestic Thanksgiving turkey, a centerpiece of culinary effort, held far less appeal than a colorful trivet resting nearby. It’s a wonderful reminder of how children perceive the world, finding wonder in the simplest of objects.

Other days involve more structured “help.” Here, we were preparing vegetables for the week and shooting content for my new website, Busy Cooks. Grant absolutely loves these days, eagerly munching on raw veggies as we chop and arrange. It’s an excellent way to introduce him to healthy eating habits.

His involvement often extends to active participation in baking. He’s a fantastic helper, especially when it comes to making pain au chocolat, also known as chocolate croissants. Rolling out croissant dough is, in his opinion, the most exciting and fun job ever!

An Aspiring Food Stylist in the Making

Perhaps his most surprising talent, however, is his emerging flair for food styling. Grant genuinely loves to arrange and style scenes. In this shot, he’s meticulously styling seared scallops for a shoot. Just look at his face – so serious, so invested, a true budding food stylist right here!

And speaking of intense focus, Grant has a deep-seated obsession with freeze-dried raspberries. They are, without a doubt, his favorite snack. Naturally, he never misses an opportunity to get his hands on these “nommy” treats, even when they’re designated as props for a photoshoot!

Once again, Grant is eager to lend a hand, this time with spiralizing zucchini and preparing other vegetables. His enthusiasm and growing dexterity in the kitchen make him a very handy little assistant, always ready to explore new textures and tools.

And finally, the classic toddler dilemma: Is he carefully arranging English scones just right for the perfect photo, or is he subtly attempting to snag one for a quick snack? With Grant, it’s often a delightful combination of both!

The Support System: Making the WAHM Dream Possible

It’s clear that having my sweet Grant by my side in the kitchen brings immense joy and fills our days with laughter and precious memories. However, to be completely transparent, it’s exceptionally challenging to achieve significant work when he’s actively involved on cooking and shooting days. The reality is that focused, uninterrupted work often requires dedicated time.

This is where my incredible support system comes in. I am incredibly lucky to have my husband and my in-laws who step in to help on those crucial workdays, often taking Grant to the ranch or babysitting for a full day. Their invaluable assistance provides me with the space and time necessary to concentrate on developing recipes, shooting content, and writing articles, making the work-at-home mom dream truly sustainable.

Embracing the Journey

And that’s a wrap on our latest behind-the-scenes adventure! Thank you for joining us on this fun, challenging, and incredibly rewarding journey through the daily life of a work-at-home food blogger and her toddler. It’s a life rich with flavor, love, and a healthy dose of beautiful chaos. I hope you all have a truly lovely day!

P.S. I’d love to hear from you! Let me know if you enjoy these behind-the-scenes posts in the comments below. Your feedback helps me decide what to share next, and if you do, I’ll be sure to share more of our adventures in the future.