I still remember Friday nights around the kitchen table at Ouma Grace and the next morning baking rusks.
Lots of Mom's ask me when is my child old enough to get entroduced to the kitchen.
If you don’t know the Montessori program I suggest you start studying it and adopting some of the methods to your parenting skills.
In the program kids take turns to bring fruits to school. I love this idea for the important lessons our childern learn from this.
You get a date (responsibility)
The toddler decide what to take (choices)
The child must cut the fruit himself (fine motorskills) You might argue the child can cut himself but make it age appropriate – a butterknife and banana work well for a young child and if he cut himself you will be there to issue the plaster.
Making sure there is enough pieces for all the kids (maths)
Handing the pieces out to his classmates (confidence)
Thank you Sophie Carnegie, owner and principal of Carnegie Montessori Schools, formerly known as New Beginnings for introducing me years ago to the program.
Visit the Flexa World South Africa online store for some cute Chef Outfits for the next little Master Chef.
Now my toddler is a teenager and ready to take on more responsibility. I belief it can be of great advantage to share the responsibility of cooking.
Start by delegating a date to him (responsibility) Schedules give kids security.
Let him plan the meal (choices) You will be surprise how the comments on your menu disappear.
Use screen time for something productive (research)
Creating a shopping list (planning)
Make time to compliment and praise them (recognition)
The younger you start cooking, like any other skill, the less anxious you will be. He might complain at first but you might be surprised how much he enjoy it over time. Give it a try and forward us some photo’s and comments. Should you need formal assistance from our team please get in touch via e-mail.
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