Cookies, Kids & Celebration: A Sweet Day of Joyful Connection 🍪👧👦

One sweet step toward connection, creativity, and joy. 🍪✨

Hey, Operation Flourish Fam!

August 4 is giving us a double dose of delight — it’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day and Hooray for Kids Day! Whether you’re baking with little ones, celebrating the magic of childhood, or just savoring a warm, melty cookie yourself, today is about joy, connection, and choosing health in delicious and meaningful ways.

🎉 A Little History:

🍪 National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day honors one of the most beloved baked goods in America — first created in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield of the Toll House Inn. A culinary “oops” turned into a forever favorite!

🧒 Hooray for Kids Day, though lesser known, is all about celebrating the wonder, creativity, and importance of children. It's a reminder to appreciate the joy kids bring and commit to nurturing their health, safety, and happiness.

Together, these holidays remind us of something powerful: simple joys can create lasting memories and foster flourishing — at any age.

How This Aligns with the 5 Pillars of #ChooseHealth:

Joyful Movement: Kids (and grown-ups!) love to dance, jump, and play — turn your kitchen into a movement zone while the cookies bake.

Balanced Nutrition: Even sweet treats can be made with love and intention. Bake your cookies with whole ingredients and enjoy mindfully.

Restorative Sleep: Playtime, laughter, and connection help little ones (and big ones) wind down with peaceful hearts.

Mindful Mental Health: Bonding over baking and silly games supports emotional well-being and creates a sense of belonging.

Avoiding Risk Behaviors: Kids thrive in secure, engaged environments. Family rituals — like baking — are powerful protective factors.

🏆 Award-Winning Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

(Adapted from a blue-ribbon state fair winner! Perfect for baking with kids — or just for yourself!)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup white sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Optional: ½ cup rolled oats or chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to the butter mixture.

4. Stir in chocolate chips (and oats/nuts if using).

5. Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet.

6. Bake 9–11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly… then enjoy warm!

   
   

Six (6) Fun Ways to Celebrate Both Holidays: 🍪👦👧

1. Host a Cookie Decorating Party — Get creative with sprinkles, shapes, and toppings. Let the kids take the lead!

2. Create a “Cookie & Compliments” Jar — Write affirmations or silly jokes on slips of paper to pair with each cookie.

3. Read Together — Choose a children’s book about baking or friendship (try “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”).

4. Have a Backyard Cookie Picnic — Grab a blanket and snacks and enjoy simple pleasures under the sun.

5. Teach a Mini Cooking Class — Let kids measure, pour, and stir — building confidence and kitchen skills!

6. Talk About Health — While you bake, start a conversation about taking care of our bodies, minds, and relationships.

Why This Matters for Flourishing:

Celebrations like these aren’t just fun — they’re foundational. They build positive emotions, strong relationships, engagement, and a sense of accomplishment. When we invest in quality time with children and in joyful rituals, we lay the groundwork for resilience, confidence, and health — for them and for ourselves.

So, whether you're baking with a child, calling your inner child out to play, or simply savoring a cookie solo — today is a beautiful day to celebrate being alive, being loved, and being well.

Cheerfully yours,

Kayla Myers

#ChooseHealth #OperationFlourish #NationalChocolateChipCookieDay #HoorayForKidsDay #FlourishForward #HealthyHabits #MindfulMoments #CookieJoy #FamilyFun

P.S. This week’s call to action:

Celebrate by baking cookies with a kid in your life — or for them! Snap a pic of your sweet creation and tag us with #ChooseHealth so we can share your joy and cheer you on! 🍪💛👧👦