It is one of those mixed blessings of parenthood. You wake up on a weekend morning and detect the unmistakable singe of burnt toast in the air. There are clanging and banging sounds from the kitchen. Checking out the noise you discover your child busily preparing a “special breakfast” as a surprise for you.

Such a simple, sweet gesture touches your heart.

But all too soon the fruits of your young one’s labors will touch your stomach as well.

• Eggshell-crunchy eggs.
• Pancakes charred on the outside yet somehow still gooey in the middle.
• A “special” waffle topped with gummy bears, rainbow sprinkles, and soy sauce (oops, thought it was the chocolate syrup!).
• Muffins in which salt was mistakenly substituted for the sugar.

Parents know there is only one response to such culinary delight…