Here are some great Tips to get your kids
comfortable in the kitchen to help you and participate in creating and
participating With kids home in the evenings and during summer
vacations, this is a perfect time to get the little ones into the
kitchen, while you are in it.
Delegate
simple and easy to do kitchen chores to your little
ones.
Tell them exactly what to do. Down
to the last detail. Let them do it
. Follow up with positive reinforcement. Don't do the job for them. Many
a times a gentle reminders are necessary. Most of all make it fun.
Getting
Ready for Cooking
Get organized leads to less messy and easier
clean-up.
- Have the kids
wear an
apron , preferably with a pocket to keep their wiping cloth - their
size- this will help to keep their clothes clean. Have them wear
short-sleeved clothes rather then long sleeves which may get in your
way while washing up.
- Wash and dry
your hands before getting started. Use plenty of soap and scrub
those finger nails.
- Get out all
the ingredients the recipe calls for. This is a great way to get the
kids to find out where to find the common kitchen ingredients. So
the next time they won't ask you where to find that particular
ingredient when you need it.
- Get out all
the utensils you will need including the pans, cups, spoons, and
bowls, etc.
- Have the kids
put everything together on the kitchen counter or table according to
the recipe. This will save time when you begin to cook.
Kids
love Challenges !
Here
is one that will keep them busy in the kitchen with you....... Time your
kids on laying the table. Note: For young ones assign plastic
dinnerware.
Responsibility....Assign
one task per kid !
No
one should do that task except for them. Not even "YOU" ! That
will make them feel responsible and special. Follow through with
affirmations like " I know that ____ has already done this today!
" For
example : Get water for everyone at the dinner table every night. Assign
your own special tasks to make them feel involved. See the difference.
Gooeeeness
and FUN !
Kids
love getting their hands "all Gooey" Ask
them for
help making the "Chappati dough"...They will love it !
Taking
it ONE STEP AT A TIME
Keeping
yourself calm is very important in the kitchen as the kids can sense
your hurry to get things done when they do things slowly. Take it one
step at a time for YOU.
Cleaning
while cooking
Keeping
things away as sson as you are done with it is as important as the
cooking process. Teach your young ones the importance of "cleaning
while cooking" As you finish using the measuring utensils and
mixing bowls put them in the sink to soak in hot soapy water. By the
time you finish getting everything mixed or into the pots and pans half
the cleanup is done!
My
Own Cleaning Cloth
Give
each kid a cloth to wipe their hands on, if you don't they will find their
sleeves, your clothes to wipe on ! Also
The
Right Height
Getting
your kids at the right height for working in the kitchen is very
important. Prop them up on a STABLE stool which will get them at the
counter height will help them see better and will keep them away from
dangerous things they cannot see.
