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What My Kids Really Think About Having a Baker for a Mom | Episode 132

  • 12 minutes ago
  • 6 min read


What does it actually feel like to grow up in a sourdough microbakery family? In this extra special episode, I handed the mic to my two kids — Jamey, age 9, and Lila — and we had the most honest, sweet, and surprisingly insightful conversation about what life looks like from their perspective. From early market mornings to ribbon cuttings, from helping label bags to building forts in the walk-in closet, they shared it all.


If you've ever felt guilty about the early mornings, the long bake days, or the times you've had to say "not right now," this episode is going to encourage you in a big way. Because straight from the mouths of my own kids — it is absolutely worth it.


How Jamey and Lila Describe the Bakery

When I asked my kids to describe the bakery to a friend, I loved what they came up with. Jamey gave detailed directions using local landmarks so a friend could actually find us.


And Lila described the space itself in the most beautiful way — cozy, homey, and welcoming, even though it's a brick and mortar. That sense of warmth isn't accidental. It's something I've worked really hard to create, and hearing my kids name it unprompted

meant everything.


They also made sure to mention that everything we bake is sourdough — including all the sweet treats — which honestly made me proud.


Their favorite things we bake:

  • Lila's top pick is the brownies

  • Jamey loves the classic chocolate chip cookie for sweets

  • For bread, Jamey is partial to the sandwich bread because the honey stays on top instead of disappearing into the holes

  • They both agree that the smell of something cinnamon baking is the scent they'll carry with them long after they've grown up


What It Was Like When the Bakery Was at Home

Most of our listeners are still running home-based bakeries, so I made sure we talked about what that season looked like for our family too. The bakery lived in our dining room for about two years — silver table, big fridge, double oven, mixer, and all. It was a full takeover of our home space, and I wanted to know how the kids really experienced it.


What I loved hearing is that even in that season, they felt included. Lila remembers spending a lot of time in the bakery space — watching, sometimes napping nearby, and occasionally helping. Jamey appreciated being able to slip away to his Legos when he needed a break. And that time in the home bakery clearly left a mark on Lila, who is now deep in her own baking era and making peach cobbler for the family on repeat.


What helped make the home bakery work for the kids:

  • Having their own corner or space to retreat to when needed

  • Being given small, meaningful jobs like writing customer names on bags

  • Feeling included in the work rather than pushed aside

  • Plenty of snacks — always a top priority in our house


The Hard Parts — An Honest Conversation

I didn't want this to be a highlight reel. I wanted to know what was actually hard, and my kids were genuinely honest with me. There were seasons — especially around big market days — where one of them felt lonely, even with Dad around. And there are moments when they have something to tell me and I have to ask them to wait, and that can sting a little, especially when it feels urgent to them.


That's real. It's part of this life. But what struck me most is that neither of them has ever wished I had a different job. They understand why I do what I do. They feel the purpose behind it. And they're proud — which honestly means more to me than anything.


What makes the hard parts more manageable:

  • Protected quality time, even in small doses — a 20 minute snuggle on the couch genuinely fills their cup

  • Having a dedicated space set up just for them at the bakery

  • Being included in small jobs and tasks that make them feel like part of the team

  • Understanding the why behind the work, even at their age


How We've Set Up the Brick and Mortar for Them

Since opening the brick and mortar in November, there are days when the kids spend the whole day here with me while their dad is working. So we've been really intentional about making this a space they actually enjoy being in — not just somewhere they have to be.


They each have a desk in the office area that they hand painted themselves. Jamey's has a gradient that Lila is particularly fond of. The walk-in closet has been converted into a little fort and reading nook with a fold-up mattress and pillows. And we keep a bin of activities that are special to bakery days only, which makes coming here feel like more of a treat than a chore.


Things that make the bakery feel special for the kids:

  • Hand-painted desks they helped create

  • A cozy fort and reading nook in the converted walk-in closet

  • Magna-Tiles and special activity bins for bakery days only

  • Highlight magazines, craft supplies, and lots of paper for drawing and writing

  • Occasional paying jobs like putting labels on bags or breaking down boxes

  • Warm relationships with the team — they have their favorites among the staff


What the Kids Think About the Community We're Serving

One of my favorite moments in this conversation was when I asked the kids to think about what our customers do with the bread they take home. Without missing a beat, one of them walked over and pointed to a sign on our wall with a verse from Acts 2:46 about breaking bread together in homes with glad and sincere hearts.


That moment said everything. They get it. They understand that what we're baking isn't just bread — it's an invitation for people to slow down, sit together, and connect around a table. And they feel proud to be part of something that meaningful.

They also shared that it feels extra special knowing that the bread was made by someone their customers know and trust — not a factory, not a big company. Someone who put real care and love into every loaf.


Advice From the Kids to Other Bakery Families

I asked Jamey and Lila what they would tell other kids whose parents are thinking about starting a home bakery or are already in the thick of it. Their answers were so practical and so sweet.


For the kids:

  • Pack plenty of books, crafts, or whatever keeps you engaged — bake days are long

  • If there's a closet or nook in the bakery space, suggest turning it into a little reading nook or fort

  • Ask for a job — even a small one makes you feel like part of the team

  • Cherish the memories you're making, even the ordinary ones


For the parents:

  • Create a dedicated little corner for your kids, even if it's just a special bin with activities only for bake days

  • Give your kids a small job — it builds connection and makes them feel valued

  • Let them in. The more they understand what you're building and why, the more they'll support you in it


A Legacy in the Making

One of the most moving parts of this whole conversation was when Jamey shared that he's already thinking about the future of the bakery — and that one day he and Lila might take it over and keep building what I've started. He talked about the regulars who would be sad if the bakery went away. He talked about what it means to the community.


He sees it. At nine years old, he already sees it. And that is everything.


Final Thoughts

Building a sourdough microbakery is hard work. The mornings are early, the dish piles are high, and there are seasons where the juggle feels like too much. But if this conversation reminded me of anything, it's that our kids are watching — and what they're seeing is something worth being proud of.


They see the community we're serving. They feel the love that goes into every loaf. And they're growing up knowing that hard work, purpose, and showing up for people matters.

If you're in the middle of building your bakery and wondering whether it's worth it for your family — I hope this episode gives you your answer.



Links to things you might like!





  • Find links to all of my sourdough microbakery favorites including the dough bins I mentioned, packaging, pans, and more in my Amazon Storefrom! www.carolinebower.com/amazon





 
 
 

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