Cooking With Toddlers
All toddlers love to cook in play kitchens, but did you know that you can also bring them into your real kitchen and make their day by allowing them to cook? I was always hesitant about allowing my children to help me cook. When I’m in the kitchen, its my way and that’s it. I relaxed one day, however, when my boy was constantly underfoot while I was cooking dinner. I was always trying to figure out new ways to get him to eat different foods, so I decided one day that I’d have him help me to make the easiest meal ever…
Pizza!! I do occasionally make homemade crust, but I decided that I would use pre-made crust this time. I picked up some of that “already made” crust in the cooler at the grocery store and I grabbed some toppings. I knew that he wouldn’t eat sauce, so I left that off. The first pizza he made consisted of mozarella cheese and bologna.
Yes, bologna.
But he made it, he helped me to put it in the oven, and he scarfed it down like there was no tomorrow. I couldn’t believe how well he ate it! Ever since then I have made it a habit to make pizza with my children every once in awhile. Making pizza not only helped us to get him to eat more things, but it helped me to relax about my kids helping in the kitchen. Now we make everything from dinners to desserts together!
Playing in a play kitchen is fine, but let your child experiment in the kitchen with you - I guarantee you’ll be surprised at how well they do!
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