After watching this video, I have to admit that for a second I felt a bit defensive. Although the video was clearly meant as a joke, I couldn't help but feel judged for my choices as a mother who makes a good amount of sourdough bread.
If you haven't seen it, you can watch below...
Everyone Just Relax lol
Ok, so first let me make sure I'm really clear about this: I'm not upset with the creator of the video, at all. lol I recognize it was exaggerated for comedic effect.
What bothered me initially wasn't the video itself. It was the knowledge that jokes are usually based on ideas that people think are true.
And so after chuckling to myself, I thought, "Wow, this is really sad."
Is there a common belief out there that making sourdough bread requires sacrificing time with your family???
While the video’s portrayal was of course exaggerated, I do worry that it might perpetuate a myth that could dissuade some people from trying their hand at making sourdough, by making it seem like a choice between sourdough or family.
As someone who is both absolutely in love with her family and also quite fond of sourdough, this is a very discouraging idea - and it really couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Proper Context
Even though it was just a joke, jokes can impact perceptions without proper context. So I decided to write this post to provide some context and make sure people realize that the video is based on an idea that’s not even close to being true.
Of course, sourdough making does involve a time commitment and some planning, but for homemakers, it just becomes part of the normal routine. The tasks get spread out throughout the day while maintaining other household responsibilities.
Each step is quite simple. And the actual hands-on time for making delicious sourdough bread is minimal. Most of the process is the fermentation, which happens on its own.
That’s “hands-off time.” That's “sit overnight in my refrigerator and work while I’m sleeping” time.
Getting The Kids Involved
One of the jokes the video makes is: "No time for the kids!" I don’t mean to be harsh by saying it this way, but that's total nonsense.
On the contrary, it’s an excellent activity for family involvement. Children are naturally curious and eager to play with the dough – rolling, stretching, and shaping it.
There is an art and science to making sourdough. Teach them as you work on your tasty creation. Share your knowledge and experience with them and let them explore. What a treasure it would be to spend that time together creating memories while teaching them life-long skills that are truly invaluable.
Also, sourdough baking can be planned around your family's needs. If you want to forego the chemical preservatives and additives in commercially produced store-bought bread, then all you have to do is plan. For example, in my family of seven, most weeks we consume nearly four loaves. I bake two loaves on Wednesdays and another two on Saturdays, ensuring a steady supply of fresh, wholesome bread for our breakfasts and lunches.
This schedule is flexible; I could bake all four loaves in one day, but baking twice a week allows us to enjoy warm bread straight from the oven, a special treat for my kids.
Of course, do whatever is best for your family, and we can all laugh at a tiktok or reel… but just don't be misled by this exaggerated portrayal.
Instead, be encouraged and learn an old skill. Invest in your future self and get back to better living!
