As I am slowly finding my way around the kitchen, I am really enjoying taking the time to let the kids helps me cook. They are eager to help. They are excited about every aspect of the work. They add an element of fun (and sometimes surprise) to any meal preparation.
Of course, it would be much more efficient if I would just run them out of the kitchen and whip up those meals myself. I could complete the job in a fraction of the time, and not need near as much patience. I certainly love to be efficient. But, I love to spend time with my children more. I enjoy having them with me as I go about my home-making chores. The season of motherhood is so short. I don't want to miss time with my kids just because the housework needs to be done.
I also realize that cooking with kids teaches them culinary skills. It provides lessons in following directions (a recipe), measurements, and fractions of a whole. Since I am so graceful, the children also receive a little first aid education, as they observe me treat my burns and cuts. Most of all, we enjoy spending time together, working on a common goal.
It all started as I was getting ready to bake a cake one day, and Jersey #3 ran into the kitchen and asked if he could help me. I decided to pull up the step stool and let him see what I was doing. He was not coordinated enough to pour a cup of water into the batter, at the time, but he was happy to hold the measuring cup with me, so we could pour together. Later, when it was time to cut the cake, Jersey #3 smiled big as he offered the family a chance to try a piece of "the cake that me and Mommy made!" He was so excited to share with his sisters about how he helped make the cake. It made his day.
Right now, I have 4 eager bakers and 1 toddler who just likes to climb on the stool. At first, I tried to include everyone when I baked, letting each kid measure and/or pour 1 ingredient. What I have discovered to be much smoother is to let the kids help me just 1 or 2 at a time, taking turns.
Taking into account their ages and abilities, I have started teaching them different skills. We work towards their ability to do some things independently. What started as helping me place frozen waffles into the toaster has grown into Jersey #3 toasting waffles on his own, with his older sisters helping pour the syrup. There are days when my children are making ME breakfast!
Jersey #1 has mastered mixing kool-aid, buttering toast, and measuring dry ingredients.
Of course, it would be much more efficient if I would just run them out of the kitchen and whip up those meals myself. I could complete the job in a fraction of the time, and not need near as much patience. I certainly love to be efficient. But, I love to spend time with my children more. I enjoy having them with me as I go about my home-making chores. The season of motherhood is so short. I don't want to miss time with my kids just because the housework needs to be done.
I also realize that cooking with kids teaches them culinary skills. It provides lessons in following directions (a recipe), measurements, and fractions of a whole. Since I am so graceful, the children also receive a little first aid education, as they observe me treat my burns and cuts. Most of all, we enjoy spending time together, working on a common goal.
It all started as I was getting ready to bake a cake one day, and Jersey #3 ran into the kitchen and asked if he could help me. I decided to pull up the step stool and let him see what I was doing. He was not coordinated enough to pour a cup of water into the batter, at the time, but he was happy to hold the measuring cup with me, so we could pour together. Later, when it was time to cut the cake, Jersey #3 smiled big as he offered the family a chance to try a piece of "the cake that me and Mommy made!" He was so excited to share with his sisters about how he helped make the cake. It made his day.
Right now, I have 4 eager bakers and 1 toddler who just likes to climb on the stool. At first, I tried to include everyone when I baked, letting each kid measure and/or pour 1 ingredient. What I have discovered to be much smoother is to let the kids help me just 1 or 2 at a time, taking turns.
Taking into account their ages and abilities, I have started teaching them different skills. We work towards their ability to do some things independently. What started as helping me place frozen waffles into the toaster has grown into Jersey #3 toasting waffles on his own, with his older sisters helping pour the syrup. There are days when my children are making ME breakfast!
Jersey #1 has mastered mixing kool-aid, buttering toast, and measuring dry ingredients.
She has been anxious to prove to me that she can operate the microwave and conduct herself appropriately around the stove. I recently let her help flip pancakes...
Jersey #2 was scheduled to bring snacks for her Awana class this week, so I had her help me make the sugar cookies. She is not interested in mixing for any length of time. She likes using tools, such as the rolling pin and cookie cutter.
She likes to sample everything, especially the sweet stuff. Her favorite culinary job is adding the candy sprinkles. From the time she first got her hands on a container of sprinkles, our home has never again produced a plainly frosted dessert!
Now that we have our rhythm for making breakfast and baking desserts, I am hoping to move on to making homemade pizza with the kids next.
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