Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Back-to-school season looks a little different in our house this year, but there’s one tradition I’m not ready to give up: chocolate chip cookies on the first day of school.
I’ve been doing this for 14 years, and it’s more than just an excuse to eat a warm cookie. There’s actually some psychology behind why it works so well.
In this week’s Sunday Chat, I’m sharing my favorite sneaky mom parenting hack for getting kids to slow down, hang out in the kitchen, and actually TALK about their day. And it works whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, auntie, or anyone else lucky enough to have kids in your life.
This year feels especially bittersweet. My youngest is starting high school, my oldest is heading off to college, and our family traditions are starting to change right along with us.
I’m sharing why these cookies have become such an important part of our family, how I’ve used them to make friends for more than 20 years, and why I think a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies can create a little bit of magic.
Happy back to school, everyone. We can get through this! ❤️
See ya later!
Rachel
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: thestayathomechef.com/rachels-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies
Pretzel Recipe: thestayathomechef.com/soft-pretzels
Back-to-school season looks a little different in our house this year, but there’s one tradition I’m not ready to give up: chocolate chip cookies on the first day of school.
I’ve been doing this for 14 years, and it’s more than just an excuse to eat a warm cookie. There’s actually some psychology behind why it works so well.
In this week’s Sunday Chat, I’m sharing my favorite sneaky mom parenting hack for getting kids to slow down, hang out in the kitchen, and actually TALK about their day. And it works whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, auntie, or anyone else lucky enough to have kids in your life.
This year feels especially bittersweet. My youngest is starting high school, my oldest is heading off to college, and our family traditions are starting to change right along with us.
I’m sharing why these cookies have become such an important part of our family, how I’ve used them to make friends for more than 20 years, and why I think a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies can create a little bit of magic.
Happy back to school, everyone. We can get through this! ❤️
See ya later!
Rachel
Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe: thestayathomechef.com/rachels-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies
Pretzel Recipe: thestayathomechef.com/soft-pretzels
