Solution #1: Get the kids involved! This takes a little bit of preparation on your part, but they will get into a routine of helping out before you know it. First, figure out what kinds of age-appropriate things your kids can do to help you. Then, put the things they will need to help within reach in a drawer or cabinet that is on their level. You may have to reorganize your kitchen to do this, but it's worth it!
Here are some suggestions for age-appropriate chores:
1.5 yrs. and up (or whenever they can reach up to put something on the table)
- put the trivets on the table
- use a hand-held dust buster to vacuum crumbs under kids' seats
- throw away empty containers to avoid clutter while you are cooking
- put muffin cups in the muffin tin
- put cans away (after a shopping trip)
2.5 yrs. and up
- set plastic bowls or plates, cups, napkins and kids' utensils at their places
- pull a stool up to the silverware drawer and sort the clean silverware
- put clean bowls and plates away in the kids' drawer
- help "dump" ingredients into the bowl or pan after you have measured them in a measuring spoon or cup (you can also have them count the number of cups or spoons you add)
- stir the ingredients with your hand to guide them
I'll let you know when my kids are older what age appropriate chores I will be teaching them then! This is not just a way to save your sanity, it also helps you to teach them responsibility. You can spend quality time with your kids in the kitchen as a family working together to "get 'er done"!
My husband and I also built this mini-kitchen so that our kids can work alongside us in their kitchen when we don't have other things for them to do.
Solution #2: Play the tasting game while you are preparing dinner (if you are doing things that don't get your hands too messy). My mom use to do this with me and I loved it. My kids do too! First, have the kids sit down on chairs close to where you are making dinner. Have them close their eyes while you grab a couple small pieces or spoonfuls of a food they like. Put a piece/spoonful in their mouth and have them guess what it is.
Here are my suggestions for foods to use:
- raisins
- cheerios
- bread
- cheese
- chips
- crackers
- applesauce
- peanut butter
You get the idea! This game is also a good way to establish trust between you and your child, so don't try anything yucky...
