Kids in the Kitchen

Problem: Your husband is late coming home from work, the kids are hungry and running around like crazy, and you're trying to get dinner on the table!

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...