by Sas Freeman

Created on: November 12, 2008

How exciting it is to have a toddler running around the house. The never ending curiosity or the always wanting to help, that little one looks up to you and wants to be just like you. Toddlers are excited to sweep the floor, scrub the tub, wash the van, or help you cook. At times this can be tiresome and they are just plain in the way, but do not push them away. What you teach them now will mold their future. Cooking is a time when it is difficult to get a child involved. You want to be careful so they will not get hurt. So many stories are told about a toddler pulling down a hot pan and burning themselves and the parents always feel guilty.

There are definitely dangers in the kitchen, but if the correct precautions are taken then most of the dangers will be eliminated. The rest can be prevented with a watchful eye from the adult in the room.

Let your toddler watch what you are doing from a safe distance. If you have a table in your kitchen, let your toddler sit at the table. Explain what you are doing. If you are working with stuff that the toddler can be near, pull up a stool for him or her to stand on. Explain rules as you go along. Only adults touch knives. Do not go near the stove when it is hot.

Be sure to explain why these rules are in place. Do not expect the child to know or say "Because I said so". Knives are sharp and you could cut yourself. The stove is hot and you can get burned. Kids are naturally curious and will question your rules. Repeat these rules over and over. If the child insists on breaking the rules, remove him or her from the kitchen for that cooking session.

A great way to get your toddler involved is to let him or her add in ingredients. Prepare all of the ingredients ahead of time and put them in bowls. When it is time to add an ingredient to the mixing bowl, let the child do it. Toddlers feel like they are doing the cooking and you can turn this into a teaching lesson.

As your toddler becomes more acquainted with helping in the kitchen, you can start introducing bigger tasks such as measuring and reading the recipe. Now that your toddler is in charge of so much, you can present what he or she made and make your toddler feel really special.

Bringing your toddler into the kitchen does not have to be a hassle. Set ground rules and pick things for him or her to do that are safe and not only will your toddler learn, but you will have gained some quality time with a child. This quality time will make you closer for life.

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