So far, I have had no problem praising my little people for 7 of the 9 things listed... After repeatedly picking the father up and placing him down, I finally got to praise him for practicing Kung Fu, but I cannot seem to get anyone to make a latte... I place them on the coffee maker, and they will either prepare a meal, or work on career... Is there certain things that have to be in effect for them to make a latte? Or is it random? Will I just get it by picking them up and placing them down so that their actions are random?

It is random.
This thread might be of some help.