Kids in the kitchen ( baby proofing )

I have had several people ask me, "how do you keep you kids out of the kitchen while you are cooking"? Simple answer, I don't. The only time I will not let them out with me is if I am cooking something with hot oil that could splatter them.

I really feel that introducing my kids to cooking and baking early is going to help them in the long run to become great cooks and bakers themselves. Not only am I taking that time to teach them about cooking but I also use it to teach them to count, read and other things.

Earlier today my daughter helped me make home made whipped cream, she poured the sugar in after I measured it and helped me whisk it. She loved being able to help. My kids help me with at least one meal a day when we are at home.

When it comes to safety matters in the kitchen I have baby proofed in a way that was easy, all the knives in drawers they can not reach, cleaning supplies are in one cupboard and the older two know they are not allowed to get in the cupboard, we are still teaching Kairi that she is not allowed to get in that cupboard. I found it easiest to give them a couple cupboards they can dig in, it gives them an area they can go to and then the cleaning cupboard does not seem so tempting. I let them play with my plastic storage bowls and my pots and pans. While I am out doing dishes Kairi will be happily playing drums on the pans and the older two will usually be coloring at the kitchen table. When I do not want them in the kitchen for one reason or another I simple put the gate up. My oldest can take it down but he is learning that I put it up because the kitchen is off limits.

Awhile back we had a pizza and movie night, the kids made their own little pizzas and then we watched a movie while we ate. They had a great time!

Mini pita pizzas-
pita bread
pizza sauce
cheese
Your choice of toppings

Spread the sauce and on the pita bread and then let you kids decorate their pizzas. Then bake the pizzas at 350 till cheese is melted and bread it toasted.

At my daughter's birthday I let the kids decorate their own cupcakes. I got some frosted cupcakes, set out bowls and containers of sprinkles and let them go. It was a simple activity yet the kids really enjoyed it.

I really do encourage you to find ways you can let your kids be involved in cooking and baking at a young age, it is a great way to spend time with them, a great learning tool and it will help to encourage them to cook when they get older.