When Cooking With Kids is Hard

We all picture parenthood as a series of beautiful bonding moments; making cookies, teaching them how to ride their bike, kissing them goodnight. We never picture the inevitable moments, the impatience, the frustration and the energy needed. We know cooking with our kids makes them more adventurous eaters and creates beautiful childhood memories.  It's easy to say hey, cook with your kids! But making it work can be tricky, frustrating and hard. Why? It comes down to a couple of avoidable factors, here they are…

Lack of planning- not the right meal, not the right time (just getting off of work and dinner needs to be on the table fast), dishes still in the sink and the kitchen needs to be organized first.

Timing isn't right- we want to include our kids but we're tired, overworked, impatient, distracted and multitasking. I just want to get the meal on the table.

Expectations too high- we expect things to go quickly, easily and smoothly only to realize that instructions need to be repeated and rephrased. Spills and errors are a reality and when we are expecting swift easy cooking we set ourselves up for frustration.

So how do we overcome these pitfalls?

When meal planning (are you meal planning?!) schedule certain meals that your kids can help with. Those meals can be strategically planned to include to-do items that are easily executed. Sure you can include your child in any recipe, but planning ahead can set you up for success and prevent some of the pitfalls.

Plan to cook with your kids when you have plenty of time and you are able to relax and slow down. Asking yourself if you are in a good head space for cooking collaboration is vital. Better to tell them you'll cook together another time than to blow a gasket because you needed some space; we've all been there.

Mentally prepare; remind yourself that they are still learning! Spills, mess, confusion, it's all part of the experience. Deep breaths. Acceptance is key. The more you cook together the easier it'll get.

Fall Stove Top Potpourri

Can we share our latest obsession?

Stove top potpourri is something that will make your house smell like one of those fantastic holiday commercials where everything is warm, cozy and stress free (read: two kids enjoying each other's company, aka not fighting, while a gorgeously put together mom drinks a hot cider on a couch in front of the fire).  Last year we were urged, urged by the wonderful guys at Crafty Lumberjacks to make this stuff and we never did.  Shame on us!



What you need, and it's probably already in your home!

This is a great 'kids in the kitchen' activity and perfect fall craft.  The uncooked ingredients in a glass jar make beautiful inexpensive gifts for teachers and neighbors this holiday season.  So get those adorable kitchen helpers ready!

Give it as a gift in a beautiful Mason jar!

If you have never made stove top potpourri before, it's simple.  Just grab aromatic ingredients in your home, set them on the stove in a pot with water and let them simmer.  Your house will smell like fall and bring you a bit of extra relaxation which always brings on a bit of patience.  Who out there can't use more of that?

You can use anything but for our recipe all you need are apples, orange rinds, cinnamon sticks and water.

Peel the orange, chop the apple, and place them in a mason jar if you are going to give it as a gift or for it to be cooked later.  If you want to cook it now then pour the ingredients straight into a pot.

After adding all ingredients, add water.

If you are interested in enjoying your potpourri immediately, then simmer the ingredients on the lowest setting of your stove top (or in the slow cooker) all day and enjoy the glorious smells!  When the water begins to evaporate you can simply add more.

This is a great sensory activity for younger kids.  Encourage them to smell, touch and describe the ingredients they are adding.

To find more stove top potpourri recipes, visit the Crafty Lumberjacks, they have several sweet smelling ideas that will make your holiday season warm and cozy.  This link has a recipe that includes cranberries and sage (squeal).

5 Ways to Get Toddlers to Try New Foods

1. Cook with them-
Kids are more likely to try food they've had a hand in making. Smelling and touching are precursors to tasting, so encourage them to help! Cooking together doesn't have to be complicated, simple tasks like mixing, rinsing or pouring can get little ones involved and excited about new ingredients.

2. Farmers markets-
All the bright displays of produce (and free samples) will evoke your toddler's natural sense of curiosity. Encourage touching and smelling!

3. Let them pick something new at the grocery store in the produce section-
Involving your toddler in ingredient choices gives them a sense of control. Kids love to make choices and buy things.

4. Expose them to one new food every week-
Regular exposure to new foods will get your toddler's palate accustomed to new flavors and textures. Don't worry if they aren't wolfing it down - the point here is for them to get used to unfamiliar ingredients on the table. A small taste is enough.

5. Grow your own veggies/fruit or pick your own at a local farm-
Let your toddler explore and marvel at how beautiful and amazing mother nature can be. Picking fruit and veggies usually leads to tasting, they can't help themselves! Kids are naturally curious.

Building Self Esteem in the Kitchen

Children are eager to help at a very early age.  They begin to show curiosity when they turn one, too little to help with any success but really interested in doing so. The kitchen in particular is a very interesting place.  All those gadgets, pots, pans, tupperware, running water, it's a treasure trove!  Even though letting them 'help' means everything takes forever (think big mess), the long term effects can be pretty fantastic.

Letting kids help builds a strong sense of community in the home.  But not only that, it builds self esteem and a sense of authentic empowerment, laying down the foundation for the family dynamic.  Allowing your kids to help at an early age sends the message that they are trusted and provide value to the family, teaching them early on that family is about give and take. Chores are exciting to little ones (I know, right?!) and we want to keep that illusion going for as long as possible!

Here are a list of fun things you can have your little ones help with:

-mix ingredients
-add spices-rinse vegetables or fruit 
-clear/set the table
-stir dressings, sauces, salads
-taste tester!
-put away leftover ingredients
-pour water
-wash/dry dishes
-cutting or stirring on stove top, all possible with plenty of clear instruction and supervision

What do your kids like to help with most in the kitchen?