▷ Learn How to Get Kids in the Kitchen

Are you a nanny or parent that is trying to find ways to incorporate the kids in the kitchen but feel overwhelmed? If so, let us help! We came up with several tips on how you can get the kids in the kitchen without all the worry! After all, kids involved in the kitchen helps create interest in food and cooking/baking, build math and reading skills, and they can spend some quality time with you!

Here are All About Nannies tips for getting the kids in the kitchen:

*Preparation is key! Get your recipe, ingredients, pans, oven preheated, etc. ready to go! The more you have prepared the less you will be scrambling around the kitchen.

*Some housekeeping items need to be done. Make sure all kids have hair pulled back, washed their hands, and if you have it, have them put on an apron. (these are just suggestions)

Oh by the way, here is a super cool kid apron and hat that makes kitchen time a blast without all the mess! And, even better it allows the kids to be in character as a chef! Check them out here.

*If the child is young, allow them to help from a highchair or booster where they are restrained. This is so much easier as it’s hard to keep them still while still helping at times.

Example: if you are baking cookies, you could allow the child to sit in highchair and help roll out the dough and cut out the cookies or bake some extra cake mix and allow them to sit there in highchair and decorate the cake with icing. (warning: they may need a bath afterwards!)

*If there is more than one child, assign duties and take turns. Make sure you communicate to them of who will doing what and mix it up for fairness. Depending on their ages, you will also need to assign duties based on that. Some great examples of ways kids can help in the kitchen are:

turning mixer on and off
adding ingredients to bowl
mixing up ingredients
rolling out dough
measuring out ingredients
spraying pan
sifting flour/sugar
licking the spoon/bowl— ok we all know that when you are mixing up a dessert, kiddos (and adults haha!) like to have the remnants in the bowl and on the spoon. That’s a childhood tradition!

*Allow as much of them helping as possible. I know as a Nanny I’d have a hard time allowing them to have control as I was afraid of what could happen with messes but really in those moments the kids are learning, having fun, and a little egg on the counter or flour on the floor is not too big of a deal and easy to clean up!

*ENJOY! The last part is the best part! Enjoy the yummy food the children have helped make!

Now are you ready to try a new fall recipe with the children you nanny for or with your own children? This delicious Pumpkin Bread is simple and easy for children to help make but delicious as well. I found this recipe from M.O.B. Truths and I’d highly recommend trying it.

Check out the recipe for Easy Pumpkin Bread here!

Grab the kiddos, follow the steps above, and bake this delicious fall goody! Another fun idea would be for the kids to bake some extra pumpkin bread and have them package it nicely and take it as a gift to a neighbor, teacher, nursing home, police station, fire station, etc. We found a nice, decorative, and reusable wrap you could wrap the bread in here and if given as a gift the recipient can reuse it. Super cool!

One more fun little addition! If you are looking for a fun and easy way to reward them for helping in the kitchen? Print off this free “Amazing Chef Certificate”. Get it here.