Can you believe it’s April? Cheers to warmer weather. For this month’s edition of The Fabulous Five we are bringing you into the KITCHEN. 

My theme for this month is Fun & Learning in the Kitchen with Kids. Here are my top 5 ways we enjoy moments in the kitchen. There is always a lesson to be learned. 

Breakfast

One of the easiest meals to prepare. Toddlers can help gather utensils, pots and pans. Teaching older kids how to make simple breakfast recipes such as oatmeal or eggs and toast helps them learn independence, responsibility and gives them a sense of pride. When Big Z made breakfast for the family, she was so proud of her meal. It was good and she also learned some food safety tips along the way.

Lunch or Dessert

Another easy option especially when preparing a cold lunch. Great lunch ideas to prepare with kids. Sugar Plum Z is a pro at stacking a sandwich. Never mind she enjoys some of the cheese before hand. As for dessert, scooping, pouring and setting their own timer for baked goods is so excited to kids.

Learning Time

The kitchen is a perfect place to get in a pre-school lesson. There are lots of ideas waiting to be explored from learning about different appliances, sorting utensils, identifying fruits and vegetables and more. Sugar Plum Z loves to grab something I asked her for now that she knows her way around the kitchen. With a new baby on the way, this is perfect for everyone. LOL. Pretty soon she will be earning her allowance. Stay tuned for our word ring tutorial next week. 

Cleaning

I mentioned setting and clearing the table but beyond that the kitchen is also great for assigning simple choirs. Keep in mind these may not be perfect but a two year old actually does a pretty good job at sweeping. Sugar Plum Z loves to sweep, wipe surfaces and hold the garbage can lid open. A play kitchen is the perfect toy to introduce cleaning duties. Big Z is practicing her dish washing skills and the concept of cleaning while you go. She earns allowance for completed choirs. I remember my mom doing this with me as a child. It’s a different time but when I was her age (8) I was already heading to the market on my own, preparing hot breakfast, helping with dinner and had my own cleaning duties.

Edible Art 

In our Top 5 Spring post, we shared how we make fruit and veggie kabobs. These are fun to make in the kitchen with kids. Have a picky eater? Choose fruits and veggies they may shy away from, incorporate ones they love and make a beautiful piece of edible art. I shared this tip with a friend and her picky eater finally ate some caterpillar aka string bean creations. Mama win! 

See what the rest of the #FabTopFive crew are up to in the kitchen. Join in on the fun. 

Kita: Top Five Kitchen Tips & Tricks 

LaShawn: Top Five Tips For Food Photography 

Mimi: Top Five Places To Shop For Kitchen Storage 

Bernetta: Top Five Things To Do In The Kitchen Besides Cook

What’s “cooking’ in your kitchen?