The newest episode of Cooking with Vlada takes viewers on an adventure that goes far beyond cooking. “Learning to Fly” is a story about family, dreams, friendship, life skills, and the importance of intentionally creating meaningful experiences for our children.
As our youth grow, one of the greatest gifts we can give them is not something we can wrap. It is experience.
In this episode, Marko continues his journey toward becoming a private pilot. His pursuit of flight carries a special meaning for his mother, Vlada, who began pursuing her own aviation dream 35 years ago in former Yugoslavia.
For a special day of flying, Vlada’s friend Vesna—who is also a private pilot—joins them and takes Vlada on her first flight. It becomes a beautiful connection between generations, friendship, and a dream that has taken a very different path than anyone could have imagined.
The family also visits the March Field Air Museum, honoring the aviators who came before them and meeting Sergeant Doug Burger. Through these experiences we are learning about history, perseverance, responsibility, and the people who made aviation possible.
And then comes one of the biggest milestones: Marko’s first solo flight.
After completing this important step in his pilot training, he returns to the ground and teaches us something completely different—how to grill the perfect steak.
At first glance, flying an airplane and grilling a steak might seem to have little in common. But both require preparation, attention, patience, practice, and confidence.
Investing in Our Children’s Experiences
As parents and families, we naturally want to provide our children with the best opportunities possible. But in today’s culture, it is easy to equate giving our children more with buying them more.
Families spend significant amounts of money on eating out, memberships, subscriptions, electronics, new gadgets, toys, clothing, and entertainment. None of these things are necessarily bad. But when spending becomes automatic, we can miss an opportunity to intentionally invest those same resources in something that may have a much longer-lasting impact.
Instead of another restaurant meal, perhaps the family could visit a museum or take a day trip.
Instead of another new toy, perhaps invest in gardening supplies, camping equipment, a cooking class, or a hands-on project.
Instead of another subscription or gadget, perhaps save for an experience a child has never had before.
The goal is to spend more intentionally.
Give Children Responsibilities, Too
There is another powerful way to create meaningful experiences—and it doesn’t cost anything.
Give children responsibilities.
Cooking dinner can teach nutrition, planning, mathematics, and independence. Cleaning the house teaches contribution and pride in one’s environment. Doing laundry teaches responsibility. Working in the yard teaches patience and persistence. Growing vegetables teaches children where food comes from and what it takes to care for something over time.
These activities may seem ordinary, but they are actually some of the most valuable experiences we can give our children.
When children participate in the work of family life, they learn that they are not simply consumers. They are contributors.
Life Skills Build Confidence
We all want our children to be successful and independent. One of the best ways to prepare them is to allow them to practice being capable while they are still young.
Every time a young person learns how to do something for themselves, they gain confidence.
These skills may not appear on a school report card, but they become incredibly valuable as children grow into teenagers and eventually adults.
Creating a Childhood Rich in Experiences
We don’t have to give our children everything.
This is the philosophy behind Cooking with Vlada. Food brings people together, but the table can become the starting point for so much more—conversation, learning, storytelling, responsibility, culture, and connection.
Our newest episode takes that philosophy into the sky and back to the grill.
Marko’s first solo flight is more than a personal accomplishment. It represents what can happen when we give young people the opportunity to pursue something challenging and meaningful.
Because the things we buy our children may eventually be forgotten.But the experiences we give them can become memories, skills, confidence, and stories they carry for the rest of their lives.