Dad Lets Toddler Help Make His Morning Coffee—What Happens Next Is Hilariously Unexpected

On Dec. 19, 2024, Essex-based dad Connor Lodge handed his two-year-old daughter, Calla, a jug of milk to help finish his morning coffee. What followed was a moment of chaos that quickly became an unforgettable and viral moment.

Connor, a 26-year-old self-employed builder and content creator, often shares glimpses of his family life on TikTok with his fiancée Jordan Willis. However, this particular coffee-making incident, which Connor jokingly describes as "chaos on a normal day," quickly became a fan favorite.

“Calla is incredibly bright and cheeky,” Connor shared in an interview with The Bright Story. “She loves making drinks and helping out. We got her a toy kitchen for her birthday, and now she’s always inspired to join us in the real one.”

A Morning of Independence

This particular morning, Connor was teaching Calla how to make coffee—a follow-up to their earlier video where she had successfully made tea. Things started smoothly: coffee in the mug, water boiled, and just a little milk left to pour. Connor thought it was the perfect opportunity for Calla to show off her newfound independence.

“I told her, ‘You don’t even need my help doing this bit,’” he recalled. What Connor hadn’t considered, though, was that while Calla could hold the jug perfectly well by herself, she didn’t yet have the skill to pour the right amount of milk.

“To be fair to her, she got the majority of the milk in the mug,” Connor said. “But because of the pure velocity that the milk hit the mug, it all ended up spilling back out!” The resulting scene was as chaotic as it was endearing: milk splashing over the mug, table, and floor.

Laughing Through the Mess

“At first I was completely speechless as to what I had just witnessed,” Connor said. “Then I was thinking to myself how ridiculous it was that I thought she didn’t need guidance doing that. Then I was actually really sad because that was the last of the milk and I couldn’t have a coffee. And finally, I realized that it was all incredibly funny, and I would never want to look back on that moment and not have laughed, so that’s all I could do—laugh!”

(Courtesy of Connor Lodge) 

Calla, unfazed by the mess, calmly set the empty jug back on the counter. “She even pointed at the mug as if to say, ‘Look, I poured it, just like you asked!’” Connor chuckled. Her reaction sparked praise online, with commenters applauding her calmness and confidence.

Parenting with Humor and Patience

Connor and Jordan, a teaching assistant, prioritize fostering independence in their toddler. “We involve Calla in everything we do,” Connor said. “From sweeping the floor with her toy broom to helping write birthday cards, we encourage her to take part in everyday activities.”

He emphasized the value of letting kids learn hands-on, even if it means embracing a bit of chaos. “The joy in a toddler’s face when they achieve something is amazing,” he said. “It’s worth the mess.”

Connor’s bond with Calla is a key part of their parenting journey. “The bond Calla and I share is incredible,” he shared. “It’s something that I could have never anticipated before becoming a dad. I always knew that I’d be the fun, exciting dad, but I feel so lucky that I have a daughter who appreciates and replicates my energy.”

One memory that perfectly illustrates their connection occurred during bedtime. “I was getting her ready for bed and decided to mess around, pretending her sock was stuck to her foot,” Connor explained. “I’d tug at it really hard, then jolt backward like it wouldn’t come off. Calla found it hysterical and started joining in, pretending to pull her own socks off. We were both in fits of laughter.”

(Courtesy of Connor Lodge) 

Moments like these, whether in the kitchen or during bedtime antics, reflect the joy and energy they share as father and daughter. “She’s such a firecracker,” Connor added. “She loves to sing ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ and anything from Frozen. And don’t get me started on her love for stickers—she’ll hand one out to anyone she sees.”

The Video That Went Viral

The coffee mishap wasn’t just a private family moment; Connor posted it on TikTok, where it quickly garnered over 200,000 likes. Followers were charmed by Calla’s determination and Connor’s lighthearted parenting style.

“People loved it,” Connor shared. “They pointed out how Calla wasn’t scared or worried about making a mistake. Comments like, ‘She’s an unbothered queen,’ really made us smile.”

The video also sparked broader discussions about parenting. “We had comments from people saying Calla must feel safe and secure, even when things go wrong,” Connor said. “Those are the ones that mean the most to us.”

A Lesson for Parents Everywhere

Connor’s advice to fellow parents? Don’t shy away from letting your kids take the lead, even if it means things might get messy. “Sure, our days are broken down into five-minute segments where we seem to always be cleaning up something or dealing with another toddler mood swing,” Connor said. “But the joy in a toddler’s face when they’ve achieved a task you’ve set for them is amazing and makes it all worth it.”

And while the coffee incident might not have ended with a perfect brew, it did create a memory that Connor will cherish forever. As he said, “These little moments of chaos bring so much laughter and joy.”

The story of Connor and Calla reminds us to embrace the unpredictable joys of parenting. Because sometimes, it’s not about the coffee—it’s about the laughs, the lessons, and the love shared along the way.