I am frequently asked about what my kids do while I cook so I thought I’d take time to chat with y’all about it. Like most moms, I spend lots of time in the kitchen. Our reality is that Currey is usually home while I’m cooking dinner so he hangs out with the kids while I cook. In a perfect world, they’d be thrilled to play with Daddy and I’d get dinner made in 30 minutes or less. If we are lucky, that’s a night or two a week. Once I get into the kitchen and get dinner going, someone needs me. Usually Blythe has a need she believes only I can meet that must be immediately addressed. Of course, she didn’t realize this need until I’m in the midst of dinner prep. Although I don’t have all the answers, here are some things that we’ve found helpful for our kids while I cook.
Before I had kids I read a blog post where a mom talked about putting a play kitchen in their kitchen so her daughter could play while mom cooked. It was one of those brilliant ideas that I tucked away for when we had kids. Unfortunately, our current kitchen set up does not allow for this so Blythe’s kitchen is in the next room. Blythe regularly “cooks” in her kitchen while I make dinner. Strawberry soup and eggs are her specialties. I love that she enjoys cooking along with me.
I’ve also realized that Blythe likes to help me prep dinner. Having a “helper” usually means that dinner will take longer to make but I hope that by being involved in the process, Blythe will develop a love for cooking. Sure, she’s not even 3 but a momma can dream right? I’ve found that most meals have a step or two that Blythe can help with. Just a few examples, pouring ingredients into bowls, stirring, washing vegetables, being a taste tester, rolling out dough. These activities need supervision but Blythe feels so proud that she is helping. We just bring a chair into the kitchen for her to stand on.
Bennett is one laid back baby. He LOVES to eat and is content to sit in his high chair and munch on Cheerios while I cook. If he’s just eaten, I let him hang out in his exersaucer while I prep dinner. He then joins us for dinner. This kids can eat!
If I’ve learned nothing else as a parent, it’s that what works for one family may not work for another. These are simply things that work for us. Do you have any great tips or ideas that work for your family? Share them in the comments of this post. I’d love to hear your ideas.
Thanks, JJ! Some wise words. I need to get a play kitchen area set up because my little guy tends to get in every cabinet while I’m cooking!
One thing I’ve tried to do lately is prep things while Atticus is napping. (Chopping veggies, measuring ingredients, etc.) Then when he is awake and its time to cook dinner I don’t have to be in the kitchen as long.
Also, thanks to you, I’ve been meal planning and using quite a few of your recipes every week. Many pastas and soups will make more than one meal, so having a night and lunch or two using leftovers helps alleviate some cooking stresses for me!
So keep doing what you’re doing and sharing when you can!! You’re helping so many be creative in the kitchen.
Ariel,
Thank you sweet friend! This made my week! I’ve got more coming on menu planing. I’m glad that you are finding it to be helpful.
I’m having a blast with the blog and I’m glad to hear that you are enjoying it too. I’m so thankful for your words of encouragement.
Bennett and Blythe are the cutest little helpers! Just started trying to get my 1 yr old involved, but I look forward to when he enjoys helping in the kitchen a little more. And thanks for sharing so many delicious recipes!!