Little Helpers in the Holiday Kitchen

The holiday season is a wonderful opportunity to allow your children to help with the meal preparation and offers quality time together as a family. This is a way to keep your children occupied, but is also a fun, educational activity that incorporates a range of skills and senses, such as counting, measuring, reading, touching, listening, planning, smelling, tasting, and creativity. Baking teaches children useful skills and also makes them aware of potential hazards in the kitchen. Helping in the kitchen can increase confidence, as well as encourage children to try a broader range of foods. Children are more likely to try a new recipe if they have helped in the preparation of the meal. Task allocation depends largely on the age and dexterity of the child, but there are some basic rules and tips that will make the process as safe and hassle-free as possible, remembering that children learn by observing and imitating adults. Basic Rules and Tips:

? Teach children the basics of hygiene (e.g., washing hands) before beginning food preparation, and also between stages, to avoid cross-contamination.

? To save time and small children's frustration, be sure to cut and measure ingredients before the child begins to assist. Small children have short attention spans and may become impatient.

? Give children quick, simple instructions, one at a time, and be prepared to repeat them if they do not understand or forget what they have been told.

? Older children can be encouraged to read the recipe and help to measure out or weigh the ingredients.

? Younger children can be involved in the mixing process by placing the ingredients in a jar with a secure lid and letting them shake the contents. This works particularly well with batters and salad dressings.

? All ages can help with frosting and decorating holiday cookies or cupcakes. Use your favorite homemade recipes, or time saving box or frozen dough for simple sugar cookies and cakes. Decoration ideas include: colored sugars, cookie cutters, frosting, icing, candies, etc?

? Always explain the potential dangers in the kitchen and the protocol for safety. Such dangers include sharp knives, hot stoves and ovens, pans of boiling liquids and invisible germs.

? Encourage the children to be involved in the cleaning-up process during and after the baking session is completed.

? For children interested in creativity with decoration, let them make up some edible "play-dough", which they can craft into colorful centerpieces or napkin holders. Or provide children with paper, and crayons or paints to create personalized place mats for each family member and dinner guest.

? Adults make a mess when they are creating in the kitchen, so expect children to have even more mishaps.

Remember to remain calm and have a sense of adventure and humor!

Lisa Barnes is the owner of Petit Appetit, a cooking service devoted to babies and toddlers. Lisa teaches private and group cooking classes to parents throughout Northern California and is the author of The Petit Appetit Cookbook (Penguin, March 2005). Visit http://www.petitappetit.com for information.

---

Is Labor Day Passe

In a word, yes !Labor Day, which started in 1882... Read More

How to Reduce Your Stress this Christmas

In theory Christmas is a time that is filled with... Read More

Top Ten Tips To A Terrific Valentine?s Day - For Women in Relationships

So Valentine's Day is upon us yet again, and most... Read More

10 Reasons Santas Broke This Year

1. Santa Spends More Than He MakesSanta's paychecks are nothing... Read More

A Priceless Birthday Gift

Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used... Read More

Ten Ways To Make The Holidays Easier Next Year

What does your holiday season usually look like -- a... Read More

Fathers Day and Flowers

Father's Day is about to be celebrated in Australia. The... Read More

Easter Flowers

Easter is Sunday, March 27th! Don't forget the flowers! Your... Read More

Are You Going To Survive The Holidays?

Admit it! You promised this year was not going to... Read More

Choosing Childrens Birthday Party Supplies and Decorations

Birthday party supplies and decorations can bring that necessary magic... Read More

Mother?s Day Crafts

Make these quick and easy crafts with your children for... Read More

The Five Best Cigar-Related Fathers Day Gifts

According to a recent study by the internet cigar retailer... Read More

Reduce Waste This Christmas

- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than... Read More

St Valentines Day, Festival of the Matchmakers

There are as many as eight possible Valentines Day origins... Read More

Spend More Time With Your Family This Holiday Season: Host A Caroling Party

Too often we forgo entertaining because of the mere thought... Read More

Vastu Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress

Fun, though they are intended to be, The Holidays can... Read More

Valentines Day Rapport

How to develop and heighten rapport on Valentines Day beyond... Read More

Simplify the Season

Let's take a look at a typical Christmas To-Do list:... Read More

Jeweled Shamrock Pendant

March 17th is St. Patrick's Day and according to tradition... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

Incredibles Kid Birthday Party Idea

Mr. Incredible and Elastiwoman to the Rescue. The Incredibles based... Read More

Overcoming Loneliness this Christmas

Christmas is one of those times when the social norm... Read More

How Santa Makes Out His Christmas List

How Does Santa Make Out His List?I'll let you in... Read More

The Origins of Mothers Day

Mother's Day is, in many countries, a day for celebrating... Read More

Ready for Christmas? Enjoy an Organized Holiday This Year

1. Keep a stack of directions TO your place for... Read More

Throwing an Anniversary Party to be Remembered

Anniversary parties are a wonderful way to celebrate two people... Read More

Low On Cash For Christmas? Try Gifts in a Jar

Time is money, and right now you don't have either... Read More

Colored Contacts For Halloween - Make Sure YOU Dont Go Bump In The Night!

Ok, the end of October is approaching, and you desperately... Read More

Holiday Dieting: A Sweet Way To Cheat!

If your diet is making you a humbug this season,... Read More

What Is The Easter In Your Business?

Easter 2005 is coming, Sunday March 27, and Christians worldwide... Read More

Virtual Assistants... Even Santa Needs One!

Trying to fit all the planning and preparing and celebrating... Read More

Easter Traditions: Seven Ways To Add Meaning To Your Family Celebration

Family traditions connect us to past and future generations. They... Read More

Is Buying a Gift for Mom as Difficult for You as it is for Me?

I have walked through a countless number of stores searching... Read More