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When Dasha Hanson invited her young son to help make dinner, she thought they’d just be layering zucchini and cheese. Instead, she ended up capturing a viral moment that’s been viewed more than 800,000 times, and touched parents everywhere.
In the clip, her son cheerfully rolls lasagna noodles beside her and says, “It’s good to have a mom who knows how to make lasagna. I love making lasagna with you.” A simple sentence, but one that stopped Dasha in her tracks. His words, spontaneous and full of love, revealed what every parent hopes to hear: appreciation, connection, and pride wrapped into one small, everyday moment.
She later captioned the video: “People always talk about how kids pull away as they get older, but I’m over here just finding new ways to connect.” The moment struck a chord with thousands of viewers who saw themselves in her kitchen, reminded that the most lasting lessons often simmer quietly between shared tasks and conversation.
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Why this moment resonated with parents
Tender parenting moments rarely break through the noise of social media, but Dasha’s reel did.
It was a reminder that kids notice more than we think. When we include them, they feel capable. When we thank them, they learn gratitude. When we focus on the process instead of perfection, they build confidence.
Research published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review found that consistent family Routines, like cooking or eating together, help children build self-regulation and emotional resilience. These shared moments foster a sense of security and strengthen Communication between parents and kids. Predictable routines help kids feel secure, while participation builds self-efficacy—the sense that their efforts matter.
Every parent watching Dasha’s video seemed to recognize that balance: nurturing independence while preserving connection. It’s the kind of small, intentional moment families crave: one that teaches kindness and appreciation without a single word of instruction.
Related: Parenting expert says the viral “6 7” trend reveals what kids are really looking for
The science of cooking together
Dasha’s kitchen moment is more than just a sweet clip—it reflects what research tells us about how shared routines strengthen family bonds.
Experts say cooking with kids offers far more than culinary skills. It’s one of the simplest ways to nurture patience, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. When children measure, mix, and create alongside parents, they practice shared responsibility in a low-pressure setting. They also experience what family therapists call co-regulation: the calming, relational process of syncing emotions through shared activity. In a world that often moves too fast, something as simple as stirring sauce side by side can bring families back into rhythm.
What people are saying
The comments under Dasha’s video turned into a celebration of gentle parenting and gratitude.
- “Mom was fighting for her life to keep it together and not cry into the lasagna” — mrcalliezo
- “What a great boy! Hes that way because of how hes been raised, he speaks that way because of how he has been spoken to. Good job Mamma!” — teapot.xx
- “I would have burst into tears when he shared that special appreciation comment for you good job!!” — aliceschmalice777
- “I’m not even a mom and the fact that this preteen admitted his love for you…” — dianacasas.956
- “I love making lasagna with you” oh my heart would’ve melted” — robynn0fcourse
Each response echoed the same sentiment: gratitude for seeing tenderness modeled between a mother and her son, especially in a world that often teaches boys to hide it.
Related: Beyond ‘gentle’: How today’s parents are blending parenting styles—and breaking cycles
3 simple ways to bring connection to your own kitchen
You don’t need a viral recipe to create moments like Dasha’s. Parenting experts suggest starting small, inviting kids to help, and focusing on connection over perfection.
- Give kids ownership. Let them measure, stir, or choose an ingredient. A study in Current Developments in Nutrition found that giving children hands-on control in the kitchen increases both confidence and openness to trying new foods.
- Talk about feelings. Ask, “What part do you like most about cooking together?” Research shows that labeling emotions strengthens empathy and emotional literacy.
- Make it a ritual. Even one shared meal a week strengthens family bonds.
Small habits like these transform ordinary routines into emotional anchors, and kids will remember how they felt, long after they’ve forgotten the recipe.
The real recipe for connection
When her son said, “I love making lasagna with you,” the moment captured everything Dasha had been nurturing all along: joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of belonging. Cooking together became the bridge between nourishment and nurture, where love simmered alongside the sauce.
Her video captured what everyday parenting looks like at its best—teaching empathy, confidence, and care through the small rituals that fill ordinary days.