Having little ones help in the kitchen is so awesome! Baking with little ones is such an effective way to connect with them as well as help them build confidence, math and language skills. Believe it or not, many life skills can be practiced including waiting, impulse control, and perseverance when something goes wrong. It’s such a meaningful way to share your family’s history and culture as well.
However, baking with little kids can also be a bit messy- pretty sure that doesn’t come as a surprise:)
Here are a few tips to help make the experience joyful and meaningful to both you and your little one!
Prep Ahead of Time
Planning ahead can help you avoid some rookie mistakes. Start really simple by choosing an achievable recipe- maybe more s’mores bars than a vertical lemon and blueberry cake. Get the ingredients set out on the counter along with all the measuring cups, spoons, bowls and mixers you will need. Be sure you have enough of all the ingredients. Set the chair or stool up next to the counter.
Safety First
This may seem like common sense, but sometimes littles do unexpected things. Is their stool within arm’s reach of the stove? Is there a plastic liquid measuring cup available? If you limit the truly unsafe situations, there will be less stress for you and your child. They may still do absurd things (Why would you put raw eggs in your mouth?!?), but the outright dangers can be limited with some careful arranging and planning.
Give Extra Time
As with all things involving littles, extra time is needed. Take a rainy morning and baking is the plan. It will feel less rushed and you can both enjoy the time more. Maybe your child wants to drop the chocolate chips in one at a time; if you have the time you can count to 100 (Math!). Maybe something gets spilled; if you have the time, your child can help to clean it up (Responsibility!).
The Process is the Product
Sometimes, as parents, we forget that this is all new for our littles. The sensory experience of cooking with our parents can be REALLY exciting for little ones. Eggs may get dropped; a measuring cup may spill everywhere. The process of being with our child and connecting is the important part. The longer time provided will hopefully make those unexpected messes less stressful. Enjoy it! You’re creating a happy memory, and, as the adult, it’s up to you to foster that supportive loving interaction.
Talk, Talk, Talk
I know I’m a total language geek, but this is an amazing time to use a ton of new language and vocabulary. Pour the water. What’s the next ingredient? The mixer is moving slowly, now it’s moving quickly. Then expanding on their knowledge: “Does flour come from a plant or an animal? What about eggs?” I absolutely love the conversations that come up to see what connections their little minds make. Really listen and watch them to see what’s interesting to them. Do they love watching the mixer? Are they smelling the chocolate? By leaving the extra time- as mentioned above- you can really connect through this activity.
Baking All Star
After helping a bit, they will get the hang of it- as will you- and baking, like everything, will get easier. After a few times, you’ll see what they are able to do and planning ahead may not be so critical. You’ll figure out the timing and may not need to devote a full morning.
Someday, far, far into the future, your little will be big. These loving memories will be a part of who they are. Your stories shared in the kitchen about your own childhood and your family’s culture will be part of their own being. Embrace all the stages.
Go get started! In honor of National Banana Bread Day (one of my favorite days:), here’s a link to an easy banana bread recipe! Enjoy!!
