I love my new job as a nanny! It really is what I love and It makes me so excited to be a mom someday. Everyday, I spend 2 hours alone with a five year old named Bridget while the older three are at school. One of our favorite things to do is craft. Friday, we decided it might be fun to bake as our fun activity for the day.
Here are some of my tips on cooking with a kid:
1. I think packaged recipes are great, but I think it is so fun to cook from scratch with kids. It gives them more opportunities to participate and also lengthens out the activity if you are stressing for things to fill your time.
2. Let them do as much as possible.
Its no fun for a kid when they have to just watch you do everything. I was a little nervous while Bridget was using the hand mixer, but after a little guidance she got it down. True, this causes more of a mess, but it makes it a lot more enjoyable for the little one. (Of course, be age sensitive)
This Chica loves posing for pictures
3. Most fun: Let them get messy. Its more important that they have fun and learn some things about cooking than making sure the kitchen stays perfectly clean. Things can be cleaned up very easily.
4. Let them make decisions:
If you want to make circle cookies, but she thinks stars would be more fun, go with her choice. Letting kids make as many choices as possible really helps them feel like they have a real part in the whole process.
5. Make Clean up a part of the process
Having the kids clean up, I feel, is really important for them to learn while cooking. (especially if you follow tip #3) Make it a fun game and be sure to help them and give them fun jobs they will enjoy doing.
"I am the trash Queen!!!" -Bridget
6. Make it a service project.
When we had the idea to make cookies, we were all out of flour, so we went to the gas station by the house and when we were in line to buy it Bridget told them we were making cookies. They asked (jokingly) if we would bring them any.
so. all while we were making cookies she was saying how she wanted to bring those girls cookies.
It was the sweetest experience for me to watch. The girls were so surprised. Miss Bridget even got a free slurpie out of it! What a happy gal.
Cooking with kids can be such a fun and involved project! I sure love it!
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