Now that shes older her interest to be in the kitchen with us is even more than before. Of course within reason, but we do let her help. Shes great at stirring the pasta and sauce, she even scopes the butter for the Macaroni and Cheese! We also enjoy making pudding and cookies. The best part - Adriana is only 2 years old.
Most parents shoo their kids away from the kitchen because of the hot stove, the oven, sharp tools, etc. Instead, why not try to teach them HOW to be in the kitchen. From the get go we explained the oven is hot; don't touch. Several times, we pick her up to see whats going on top of the stove. Shes curious because we never hid her from seeing us in the kitchen. She was always welcome to stick around and help but with caution. She knows what she can and cant do while there and her help is encouraging. Eventually when shes a little old - she will be making lunch or grabbing her own snacks. Can't wait!
Adriana has her own play kitchen in her room too. It has all the same things as Mommy's and Daddy's kitchen, including metal pots and pans. She loves making "breakfast" or "dinner" for us and we love pretending to eat it with her! She is even smart enough to serve it on a plate - always - and with a cup of tea! The pretend play is great for her to learn how things work. Must cook things on the stove and warm up things in the microwave. She even sets up the table with cutlery! Bless her heart
Adriana has peaked my interest to get her in the real kitchen more. So I did some research and found some great recipes that your little ones can get involved in the kitchen more often with
1. Homemade Pizza - Use Greek pita bread, pizza sauce and toppings. Each child can make their own pizza however they want!
2. Hot dog roll ups - use Crescent rolls, cheese and hot dog halves.
3. Smoothies - add all kinds of their favourite fruits, 1 cup of ice and blend. You may choose to use yogurt or fruit juice as well. Caution: blender may be a bit loud so try to do it slowly so they don't get scared!
4. Meatballs - kids love getting their hands "dirty" and these are a great way to get them involved!
5. Rice Crispie Squares - what kid doesn't love this delicious treat?
6. Nachos - cook up some ground beef, add cheese, peppers, and serve with salsa.
7. Sliced Chicken Penne - slice up boneless/skinless chicken and fry, add cooked pasta and sauce.
8. Banana rolls - roll up a banana in a peanut butter covered wrap and slice.
9. Deviled Eggs - seems simple enough!
10. Cookies - the good ol' classic ones!
Don't shy your kid away from being in the kitchen. Instead teach them how to work in that area. When they're a little older - you'll be thankful for showing them their way around. It teaches them to be independent for themselves and thoughtful towards others. The more you hold back the less likely they will do things for themselves when the time comes. Teach them young and within reason. I don't expect Adriana to cook up a pot roast or anything but she can help with the more simple meals. She has an interest in the kitchen - we just add fuel to that and teach her how to be safe in the kitchen. Little by little she learns how to work the necessary things.
We are lucky to have an independent little girl. Don't hold them back from learning, even if society says they're too young. Eventually they will have to learn about it so teach them when there's interest and you won't have to force it when they're "old enough". Stop holding them back - stop letting them think they "can't" and start showing them HOW. That's what parenting is about - not making it harder on yourself by trying to control every little movement they do. Teach them to be the people you want by leading by example. I continue to talk about Monkey-see, Monkey-do....do as I say not as I do - how it really works on a child.
I agree. My 2 year old Little Mister has been "helping" me in the kitchen for a while now and he loves being involved. He can be more of a hindrance than a help but he knows the stove and oven are off limits but he knows where cakes/muffins etc come from and he loves licking the bowl haha. I actually think he's safer because we've taught him from the beginning how to behave in the kitchen. He's not perfect (2 year olds can be unpredictable at the best of times) but he is familiar with the kitchen and I hope he'll be a great independent person one day who can provide meals for his family (whether it be us lucky parents haha or his own family one day). I'll know I've given him great life skills before he leaves home.
ReplyDeleteVery true that this is probably one of the most important life skill a kid could learn. Take a little time and teach them the basics of the kitchen. Or if you'd like - learn with them! We lead by example and its important to be self sufficient. They (and others) will thank us when their older!
ReplyDelete