Look Mumma, I Can Help in the Kitchen!
Hi, Mumma, the kitchen is the best room in the house where I can learn and have fun! Here are some tasks which help me gain my motor skills and confidence while working with you:
Peeling
Ask me to unpeel pieces of banana for you. This works on my eye-hand and eye-body co-ordination.
Spreading
Bring me soft foods such as butter or nut butter and ask me to spread them on a piece of bread. This promotes my independence and the development of fine motor skills.
Stirring
Give me a bowl with safe ingredients to stir. This introduces me to the concepts of mixture and consistency.
Slicing and Cutting
I can cut soft things like bananas and cheese with a knife that is safe for toddlers. This helps me get better at being precise and quick.
Smoothies
Let's put things into a machine that isn't plugged in for safety's sake. This teaches me about recipes and how fun it is to make something tasty.
Using Both Hands
Tasks that require holding a bowl with one hand and stirring with the other challenge and develop my bilateral coordination.
Meal Prep
Pre-measure ingredients into small containers for me to add to the mix. This teaches me sequencing and following instructions.
Mashing
Mashing soft foods with a fork is a delightful sensory play experience and builds strength in my hands.
Passing
Involving me in passing utensils or ingredients makes me feel like a part of the team and fosters a sense of participation and teamwork.
Naming
Expand my vocabulary by naming everything we use or do in the kitchen, from utensils to actions.
Cleanup
Please get me to help clean up. This teaches me to be responsible and take care of my world.
Tips for Success
Patience is Key: It might take longer to do activities with other people than by yourself, but the learning experience is priceless.
Embrace the Mess: Doing things in the kitchen can get messy. Think of it as a part of the sensory play.
Safety First: Always supervise and use child-safe tools. Ensure that any potential hazards are out of reach.
Celebrate Efforts: Acknowledge my participation and effort, regardless of the outcome.
Getting me used to the kitchen helps me learn new skills and build a good attitude about making food. These things aren't just chores; they're building blocks for confidence, independence, and a lifelong interest in food and how it's made.