Visakhapatnam: Millennial dads wield ladle, bond over cooking

Visakhapatnam: Millennial dads are busy multitasking these days. They are trying to come out of cookie-cutter roles and embrace new skills while spending quality time with their loved ones at home.

Unlike a couple of generations before, serious fathers who often appear to be disconnected and confine themselves to newspapers and television channels at home, millennial dads involve in a host of household chores, redefining their roles.

Thanks to lockdown, it has brought the best out of millennial dads as many began exploring culinary arts. Ahead of the Father's Day which is celebrated on the third Sunday of June, they share their experiences in the kitchen.

Even the first timers find the kitchen a place to experiment, of course, after initial flops. "Fortunately, we have a plethora of options to try watching recipes on YouTube. But of all, I find recipes shared by I am a Big Foodie, Hebbars Kitchen and She Cooks are wonderful. They are easy to make with whatever ingredients available on the kitchen shelf," explains Ajay Varma, a newbie in the kitchen.

Therapeutic

Many consider the process of cooking therapeutic and want their children to follow suit. "I find cooking as a wonderful way of bonding with my son Naksh, who is studying Class I. While I cook, I engage him with little tasks like washing the veggies, peeling carrots, ginger and cucumber and turning off the flame of the stove. He likes watching me working in the kitchen. This way, I also want to set an example for my son and impart a survival skill which is not gender specific," reasons Rahul Beera, assistant manager operations of a multinational organisation.

While women continue to take the load at home, men too are coming forward to handle housework which turns out to be an apparent change, especially in times of lockdown. "Given the growing number of coronavirus cases, it is better we share work, prepare food at home and stay healthy rather than ordering online or getting food parcels home. If my wife cooks in the morning, I take turn in the night. My children relish fried rice, rotis and 'subji' that I learnt making recently," shares G Kiran Reddy, a father, who works from home. In times of uncertainty, the otherwise busy dads join hands to foray into culinary skills, dishing out simple, yet tasty food.