Lets talk about something every parent and childcare provider deems as important…RULES. More specifically, rules in the kitchen.
The first thing to remember is that this is a learning experience for your child. We want their experience to be fun, inspiring, and most of all leave them wanting more…more knowledge that is.
While it is appropriate to set boundaries before any activity, blurting out a list of rules right off the bat can overwhelm your 3 foot tall Emeril Lagasse. I like to first ask them what they think the rules in the kitchen should be. You may get some funny ones, but more likely than not, they will make a lot of sense! Talk about the rules they came up with and ask them open ended questions as to why they came up with them. Work together to come up with 3 rules that work for you. My favorite little chefs and I came up with,
Wash your hands.
Share utensils.
The oven is for adults.
The contribution the munchkins made will give them the initiative to follow those rules because they make sense to them; as well as the self confidence to work in the kitchen, knowing that they contributed to the way things work. And the rest is cake! (Or granola bars or fruit salad or whatever you’re making today)
As always, enjoy your time with your little ones and make today count.
With love,
Savannah