“Mum/Dad, I want to cook too!” - The Kid friendly kitchen
Imagine you’re a young human. The world is an amazing place! You’ve got tons of energy. You want to explore and do what Mum and Dad are doing. Where there’s a will, there’s a way! However, there’s a few challenges - the fun stuff is out of reach, you’re still developing fine motor skills and you don’t know all the words to ask for what you want! When I put myself in the place of my 2- and 4-year-old kids, I understand them much better - the urges, the emotions, the curiosity. And I understand how to best set-up my kitchen to encourage them to participate. As parents of an inquisitive little human, what if there was a place you could go to get some simple tips about recipes, kitchen tools and equipment, dedicated storage areas as well as how to involve your kids in one step of a recipe… You have come to the right place (URL Here)!!!! You can sign up for anyone of our subscriptions.
Tips From Chef Russ:
1.Essential kitchen equipment to safely and effectively encourage your children to participate in meal preparation and cooking from as young as 18 months old:
Learning tower
Sturdy chair with arms or stepping stool (from 2 years onward)
An apron (Velcro attachment is ideal) - symbolizes the start and finish of the activity
2.Tools and Equipment (good quality materials, ergonomic, smaller version)
Small wooden cutting board with handle
Small knife with rounded tip and wooden handle
Colour-coded measuring cups and measuring spoons
Rolling pin
Nesting mixing bowls
3.Store tools and equipment that are safe and easy to use in a place that’s easy for them to access independently. That builds a sense of usefulness, independence and makes them feel included. I love the sound of my kids pushing their learning tower towards the counter. It’s gratifying to have them working by my side, more and more independent each day!
Once you have your kitchen set up as suggested above you can now attempt a simple step of recipe with your children as assistant chefs!!
For example, involve them in measuring a no-knead pizza dough.
Get them to stand on their learning tower (or chair or stool)
Support them to measure out the flour, yeast, salt, and water into a large bowl.
Encourage them to support you to mix it up!
Leave it overnight. i) Explain that the dough needs to set and rise. ii) Tomorrow they can assist in stretching the pizza dough
After the children are in bed you can prepare the more time-consuming ingredients.