A chef in the making? We’ll see.

Getting dinner ready with an 18 month old can be a challenge. Somedays I try to plan her afternoon nap when I want to prep for dinner. Somedays it works. Most days it doesn’t. So, I had to get creative and find ways to involve her in the kitchen. So, most days I plop her in the Pack ‘N Play and try to entertain her while I multitask and make dinner.
Making dinner has become my creative outlet. It lets me explore and be adventurous. It lets me break the rules. Shhhh don’t tell anyone but I don’t follow recipes “to the T” anymore. I love sharing this creativity with Madilyn. I hope that she loves to cook when she is a big girl.
Also, the earlier Madilyn sees me cooking at home the better chance she will want to help me when she gets older. Involving children in food preparation engages them in the cooking process and introduces them to new foods. It can be a fun and tasty adventure while exploring new foods through their senses. They can touch it, see it and taste it and then it is no longer a new, unfamiliar food. Kids that are exposed to healthy foods in the kitchen are more likely to eat those foods. Well, we hope so…
Below is what has worked so far for Madilyn and I:
Get mini supplies. Madilyn has her own set of pots and pans. She also has veggies that she “cooks” like mum-mum. I always let her borrow my extra set of measuring cups and spoons as well as a few spatulas.

Explain what you are doing. Sure, I know Madilyn doesn’t really understand everything I am telling her but it is amazing what she does pick up. She kinda knows how to stir. Plus, your voice is better than the TV’s, right?
Show them where food comes from. Lasagna doesn’t just appear on the dinner table. Explain the cooking process. Introduce them to fruits and veggies. Quiz them on the colors, shapes, etc. The little ones might not get it all but maybe they will pick up a few things.

Find a low cabinet or drawer that you can be theirs. Everytime Madilyn visits my parents house, she visits the baking drawer. Future baker? We will see.
How do you get your kids involved in the kitchen?