Involve Your Child

My little guy likes helping. He likes to be involved in most everything. Is it because we've been involving him in things ever since he was 2, or is it his personality? Maybe, both.

When little buddy was 2, he saw me sorting the dirty laundry into piles. He wanted to do it. Of course, he wanted to push the buttons on the washer and dryer, too. So, I taught him what to push. He knows how to spell the word cold, because he's been seeing it for so long. It was another opportunity to talk about colors at age 2, as I handed him the item for the different stacks. He genuinely enjoys helping me in the laundry room. He actually wants to help. I'm not sure why anyone would like sorting laundry or loading the washer and dryer, but I do love his company...and his help!

My 3 year old helper

I also introduced the world of baking at 2. He loved playing with my baking bowls, so I thought it was time to teach him what we really do with those. It started with his favorite homemade blueberry muffins. I stood him on a chair at the counter. He would help me pour the ingredients in the bowl and hold my hand while I used the whisk. I began to stand him next to me while I cooked and teach more about the stove, fire and heat. I didn't put him too close, like I do now, but he wanted to learn how to cook.

I quickly realized the chair was not going to cut it. We bought a step stool from Amazon, after seeing it at a friend's house. We all love it! At 3 years old, he has made many dishes with me from beginning to end. It's more learning...the names of herbs, what garlic smells like, what letter the word basil starts with, what else starts with B, close your eyes and smell this herb, etc. There are times when he wants me to play with him when I have to cook, so I'll ask him if he wants to help me make whatever dish I'm making. Sometimes he wants to. This way, we can still be together and do something we enjoy. It may take me a little longer. That's definitely ok with me.

I purchased our stool from Amazon. It was about $118 at the time. It is definitely a large piece, but worth it. He can do puzzles, color or have a snack at the counter while I'm in the kitchen.

http://www.amazon.com/Guidecraft-Step-Up-Kitchen-Helper-White/dp/B00D5FH1V8/ref=pd_sim_sbs_75_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=31fOw8snfmL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0VGB642E9FS8ECRKWZ2D



I definitely appreciate his help, and I appreciate that he will know how to cook at a young age and know how to do his own laundry before he leaves for college.