I was planning on a post about involving your kids in the kitchen, but then I found this post at Design Mom, and really there's no way I can top it. It features what kids can do to help you in the kitchen, the best foods to make with kids, as well as important lessons that can be learned in the kitchen. I do want to add, however, my own list of things you can do to make cooking with your kids go as smoothly as possible.
- Start with a clean kitchen. With a child in the kitchen, the mess will be bigger, so might as well start with an empty slate
- Emphasize that you will take turns. That way if there's something you don't want your child to do (such as cracking an egg), you can make sure this comes up when it's your turn
- If you'll be rolling out dough, be sure your child has his/her own rolling pin
- Use a measuring cup that is larger than one cup and has markings for 1/2 cup, 1/4 cup, etc. This way, your child doesn't have to pour using a completely full measuring cup - it means less chance of a spill
- Above all, be patient and have fun. Focus on the smile on your child's face, and not the fact that it is taking five times as long!
What do you like to do in the kitchen with your children? Share your thoughts in the Blissfully Domestic forums
Photo from FamilyFun.com
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Great post. I like your comment about using a larger measuring cup to prevent spills…I hadn't thought of that. My ds (3yo) loves to grab his step stool and help me cook. He calls it "two-player" cooking lol.