By guest author Elizabeth Abrahamsen
Kids absolutely love to be feel empowered in all aspects of their lives and getting involved in the kitchen definitely ranks pretty high.
Of course, as parents, we want to encourage their independence and desire to help but we want to make sure it’s in a safe environment. Try to keep your overprotective imagination in check and instead of worrying about a burn or cut, plan ahead to provide a great environment to allow kids to help in the kitchen on a regular basis.
Kids don’t have to be persona-non-grata in the kitchen. All it takes is a few steps to turn a potentially scary, hazard-filled room into a kid-friendly kitchen where the whole family can participate in cooking!
Set the Rules
Make sure your kiddos know what they can and can’t do. If they’re old enough to read, make a list of a few simple rules and post it on the refrigerator or someplace they will see it. If they are still too little to read, make sure to repeat the rules to them every time they want to help.
Step Stools Are Your Friend
A stool is an absolute necessity for a kid-friendly kitchen! If your kitchen is smaller, you can get a collapsible step-stool and keep it in an unobtrusive place so it’s out of the way, but the kids will still know how to get it out and set it up. This will ensure that your little ones are up high enough to see what they’re doing, and it will also help them to be able to reach the sink to wash their hands before cooking.
Put Sharp Utensils Up High, and Non-Breakable Ones Down Low
Cooking isn’t the only way kids can help in the kitchen! They can also help unload the dishwasher, or set the table before a meal. Keep the kids’ dishes down low where they can get them out themselves. When you’re preparing to cook, the kids can hand you pots and pans. Also remember to keep cleaners up high or behind child locks.
Think Small!
Sometimes all it takes is a little task to keep a kid happy. You can keep child-sized aprons, brooms and mops in your pantry, and then give them the task of sweeping up any spills. They will love that they get to use tools that are just their size!
Give Them a Job
No matter what you’re doing in the kitchen, there’s always something your kids can do to help. Whether it’s dumping flour into the mixing bowl after it’s measured, or washing vegetables before they’re sliced, kids want to help, and you may find that those little hands that you thought were in your way turn out to be your best helpers!
For more home ideas and inspiration please visit Modernize.com!
