16 Epic Baking Hacks

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These baking hacks make time in the kitchen so much easier.

I love how simple these ideas are, yet they make a huge difference. There are so many times I forgot to soften the butter or bring the eggs to room temperature, but now I’ve got a hack for every situation!

Check out all these awesome hacks. We also have a ton of awesome hacks for making a box cake mix amazing.

16 Epic Baking Hacks

Use a simple pair of tongs to make the most gorgeous pie crust designs. via House Beautiful

Get your eggs up to room temperature by submerging them in warm water for 3 minutes. via The Krazy Coupon Lady

Don’t want to cover your cake in plastic wrap but need it covered in a pinch? Use spaghetti noodles to hold it up! via Real Simple

Make a simple DIY fondant with marshmallows and Jell-o! via Instructables

Want your ganache to look shiny smooth? Use a hair dryer. via This Week for Dinner

If you are craving banana bread but don’t have ripe bananas, just bake them in the oven first.

Make sure your cake comes out of the pan in tact every single time with this pan release.

Where do you put your cake pops while they dry and harden? In a colander! via Iowa Girl Eats

Do you want your cake to be flat with no mound in the middle? Here’s how. via Indulgy

Get the perfect icing color with this food coloring guide. via Ziploc

Here’s a huge list of baking substitutes. Keep this list around in case you ever run out of something! via Huffington Post

Don’t let the cake batter splatter all over you when you’re mixing – just use a paper plate! via Self

Make really fun icing designs on a cake using just spoons and forks. via Todays Parent

Here is a simple way to layer cupcake colors so you can make ombre or rainbow cupcakes. via Wilton

Making a mess every time you fill your muffin tin? Just use an ice cream scooper with a trigger release coated in oil spray. via Honest and Truly

If you’ve got an egg shell stuck floating around in your bowl but can’t get it out, wet your finger first, it will come right out! via Self

Related: 25 Cake Mix Hacks For You to Make

For more simple life hacks, click here.

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Flashlight Solar System

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We love going outside late at night and observing the stars in the sky.

This Flashlight Solar System experiment is a fun way to do that by bringing your favorite constellations inside!

 

This post contains affiliate links. 

You can find this activity, plus 100 more simple science experiments, in our new book, 101 Simple Science Experiments for Kids. It’s the coolest science book for kids — the cover even glows in the dark!

Flashlight Solar System

Here’s what you need to make this Flashlight Solar System activity:

• Flashlights, 1 per constellation
• Thick needle
• Tape
• Scissors
• Printable Constellation Cards

Cut out the constellation cards and use the needle to poke holes where the stars appear.

Tape each constellation card onto the end of a flashlight. The constellations will shine through when you turn on the light!

Shine your flashlight onto the wall or ceiling to reveal the constellations.

Did you know? There are officially 88 constellations, according to the International Astronomical Union. How cool is that?!

Related Activities

If you liked this activity, you might also enjoy our constellations sewing cards. This Falling Stars Glitter Jar is a fun sensory activity that will keep children entertained for hours.

Print out this free printable Stars and Planet game! This glow in the dark stars sensory bottle is the perfect companion during bedtime.

For more fun activities, please follow us on Facebook!

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Outer Space Play Dough

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This post is sponsored by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Blast off into outer space with this homemade play dough recipe inspired by The LEGO^® Movie 2: The Second Part, in theaters February 8. We can’t wait to join Emmet, Lucy, Batman, and our other LEGO friends on their galactic adventure!

My family is so excited for The LEGO Movie 2 that we couldn’t wait to play with our LEGO Movie 2 mini figures and pretend to blast off into outer space with Emmet, Lucy, and Batman!

The much-anticipated sequel reunites the heroes of Bricksburg in an all new action-packed adventure to save their beloved city. 

It’s been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are now facing a huge new threat: LEGO DUPLO^® invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than it can be rebuilt. The battle to defeat the invaders and restore harmony to the LEGO universe will take Emmet (Chris Pratt), Lucy (Elizabeth Banks), Batman (Will Arnett) and their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds, including a strange galaxy where everything is a musical. It will test their courage, creativity and Master Building skills, and reveal just how special they really are.

Check out the trailer below!

Outer Space Play Dough

Here’s what you need to make Outer Space Play Dough:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup salt
• 2 Tbsp cream of tartar
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups boiling water
• Black liquid watercolor
• Gold glitter
• Gold star confetti

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, cream of tartar and vegetable oil. Pour in the boiling water and stir until a dough starts to form. Take the dough out of the bowl and start to knead it to form the play dough. 

Knead the black liquid watercolor into the dough until it reaches the desired color. 

Add glitter and star confetti and knead to mix it throughout. 

Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

We decided to share our Outer Space Play Dough with our LEGO-loving friends, so I made some printable tags to go onto some small containers.

Click here to print the LEGO play dough gift tags.

I cut out the circles and placed on the lids of some plastic jars. My son loved giving these to friends at school. They would also make great class valentines or party favors. 

Outer Space Play Dough is the perfect addition to LEGO play. It gives a fun and sparkly backdrop to the adventures of Emmet, Lucy, and Batman!

If you’re ready to join our LEGO friends on their adventures in The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part in theaters February 8, purchase your tickets here.

 

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How to stop feeling exhausted (as a parent!)

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If you’re like me, you’ve Googled “How to stop feeling exhausted?” or “How to have more energy (as a parent!)” more than once.   Lack of sleep, too many chores, unruly kids and not enough support are known causes of parent fatigue.

Fortunately, there are many ways of fighting fatigue effectively.

When parents are fighting fatigue, it can have an impact on everything from how getting things done to how we treat our family.  We may be adults, but we still get cranky when we are tired.  

Here are the 5 Most Effective ways to stop feeling exhausted: 

1. Eat the RIGHT foods (not just the “quick” foods)

When we’re tired and busy, we often have poor eating patterns.   A handful of goldfish here, a half-eaten cookie there.  Parents skip meals or grab whatever they can while doing something else.   Multi-tasking at it’s finest. 😉

Eventually, their body will crash.

The best foods for energy include complex carbohydrates such as wholegrains bread and cereals, lean proteins like low-fat milk, soy products, chicken, fish, and meat as well as lots of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionally balanced diets do require planning and careful thought but will soon become a habit.

2. Get Movin’! 

I know this one is hard.   A 30-minute drive to the gym, plus an hour workout, and another 30-minute drive back home does not fit into a busy parent’s life.   However, regular exercise helps energize the body.  You don’t have to go to a gym or spend hours working out to feel better. 

Try to exercise three times a week for about 30 minutes per session. A brisk walk around the park on Monday, playing a ball game with the kids on Wednesday and bicycling on Friday should be just right. Don’t forget, doing housework like vacuuming, mopping the floor, gardening and walking the dog can be counted as exercise too.

3. Catch Your Zzzz’s 

There was a day when all parents thought they’d never sleep through the night, and then their children grow up.   While you may still be in that “Sleep would be a luxury” phase, try to rest when you can.  Ample rest is crucial for the body to function correctly.

If your children are still waking you up at night, try taking naps in the middle of the day when the baby is sleeping, and ask your spouse to take turns for the night feedings so you can catch up on your sleep.    

4. Relaxation

I can’t tell you how many studies I’ve read that talk about the benefits of meditation & deep breathing.   (I just read one study that said that the most successful CEO’s often have the same habits of working out, meditating and eating right.)   

There are many ways to relax the body and mind. For busy parents, a brief 10-minute deep breathing exercise whenever they feel stressed can provide the much-needed relief. Just find a quiet spot in the house, sit or lie down and shut the eyes. Then breathe in deeply for a few seconds and breathe out for another few seconds.

5. Socializing

I can remember my parents going out every Saturday night (bowling with friends).   They hired a babysitter and I loved it!   

Making new friends and socializing can help improve tired parents’ well-being too. Joining playgroups or parent’s groups help, too (check your local church or library).
Another note to remember – seek out positive people who can see the bright side of anything and everything. They help others stay positive too, and parents fighting fatigue certainly need that boost.

It’s time to take care of YOU. 

All parents can relate to parental exhaustion or fatigue, but they don’t have to live with it. Make some changes in the daily routine to beat fatigue. Parents who plan and prepare nutritionally balanced diets, do regular exercise, have an ample amount of asleep, use relaxation techniques and socialize with other people probably can manage parenting and fatigue more effectively. 

Check out this post on how to get energy FAST! 

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Instant Pot Recipes

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Have you joined the Instant Pot craze? It is seriously my favorite kitchen tool.

And we’ve found some of the best Instant Pot recipes to share with you!

 

Instant Pot Recipes

This post contains affiliate links. 

The Instant Pot is an easy-to-use pressure cooker. It makes dinner easy and quick — you can get one right here.

Broccoli beef is one of our favorite family dinners. via I Save A to Z

Did you know that you could make barbecue ribs in the Instant Pot?! via Cooking with Curls

This Mississippi Coke Roast recipe won’t take hours to prepare. via Aunt Bee’s Recipes

Pot roast is always a family favorite. via Cooking with Curls

Make meat loaf in your Instant Pot! via I Save A to Z

Instant pot Mexican carnitas is one of our favorite dinners! via Skinny Taste

Salisbury steak meatballs look amazing! via Skinny Taste

Hard-boiled eggs are easy and delicious when made in the Instant Pot! via Cooking with Curls

Make popcorn in your Instant Pot. via Smashed Peas and Carrots

Make apple sauce in less than 10 minutes. via Active Hip Momma

This chicken and dumplings recipe is comfort food at its finest! via Pillsbury

It’s so easy to make a rotisserie-style chicken in the Instant Pot! via Cooking with Curls

Instant Pot chicken teriyaki would be delicious on a bed of rice or salad. via Chelsea’s Choices

One pot chicken and wild rice is easy and ready in just a few minutes. via Active Hip Momma

Instant pot easy salsa chicken — just two ingredients for a delicious meal! via Skinny Taste

Make perfect chicken breasts every time! via A Pinch of Healthy

Instant pot hamburger helper can be ready in just five minutes. via Adventures of a Nurse

Loaded mac and cheese is the perfect side dish. via Pressure Cook Recipes

My kids LOVE this cheesy taco pasta recipe. via Adventures of a Nurse

Instant pot turkey meatball stroganoff is not only delicious, it’s healthy! via Skinny Taste

Instant pot penne pasta looks cheesy and delicious. via Copy Me That

Broccoli cheddar pasta is an easy weeknight meal. via Adventures of a Nurse

How about some chicken cordon blue pasta?! via Adventures of a Nurse

I’m adding this enchilada pasta to our meal plan! via Simple Pressure Cooker Meals

This meatless one pot pasta is packed with protein. via Denise Recipes

Instant pot pizza pasta is perfect for kids! via Adventures of a Nurse

Chili is always a family favorite. via The Typical Mom

Make vegetable soup in your Instant Pot. via Eating on a Dime

Instant Pot smoked sausage soup looks amazing! via Good in the Simple

I can’t wait to try this Instant Pot potato corn chowder! via The Typical Mom

Zuppa Toscana is the perfect Olive Garden copycat recipe. via Adventures of a Nurse

Instant Pot broccoli cheese soup is so creamy and delicious. via Heather Likes Food

Chicken Noodle soup in the Instant Pot is always a classic. via Number 2 Pencil

If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, don’t miss these easy slow cooker recipes. And be sure to share your favorite Instant Pot recipes on our Facebook page!

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20 of Our FAVORITE Valentine’s Day Crafts

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We can’t wait to show you our 20 FAVORITE Valentine’s Day Crafts! Kids love showing others they care, and Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to share the love. We hope these Valentine’s Day crafts will help inspire you to do just that!

 

 

 

 

 

20 of Our FAVORITE Valentine’s Day Crafts: Simple Valentine’s Day Crafts For Kids

These Valentine’s Day Crafts are easy for kids to make. They will love making valentines, from the heart, to give to family and friends!

Help your kids make a homemade Valentine’s Day gift they can share with friends, or their teacher!

Thanks to this fun idea from The Resourceful Mama, your little ones will be so proud to hang a pretty Valentine’s Day Heart Wreath, that they made, on your front door!

Kids LOVE penguins! You’ve gotta check out this Heart Penguin Craft for kids, from Housing a Forest. it’s so cute!

Learn basic sewing skills with this pretty Threaded Heart Paper Plate Craft for Valentines Day, from Easy Peasy and Fun.

Younger kids will enjoy making their very own Valentines Crowns with this fun idea from Cutting Tiny Bites!

Love owls? Here’s some Valentine’s Day cards that Kids can make that are such a hoot!

These DIY Valentine Bird Feeders, from Wine And Glue, are perfect for the little love birds in your life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

20 of Our FAVORITE Valentine’s Day Crafts: Perfect for the Classroom!

Looking for fun Valentine’s Day crafts for your classroom? Search no further!

Show Love with this Homemade Valentines Day Card using your kids handprint as a keepsake.

Dinosaur lovers will have a great time creating these Mini Paper Plate Dinosaurs. Such an awesome Valentine’s craft idea from Crafty Morning!

Kids will have blast creating their very own Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards.

Your kids will want to display this colorful and bright Heart String Art project, from Sugar Bee Crafts, and so will YOU!

Have your students help create a DIY Valentine’s Day Banner for your classroom!

No Time For Flash Cards’ Melted Bead Heart Wind Chimes is super cool! Kids will need adult supervision while making it, but it would be a cool project to work on with a class!

Whooooo else wants to make this Charming Valentine’s Day Owl, from Artsy Momma?

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and these are perfect gift ideas for kids!

 

 

 

 

 

More Valentine’s Day Crafts Kids will LOVE!

I don’t think that there’s such a thing as too many Valentine’s Day crafts! They are just so fun to make, and it’s even more fun to craft for others!

Use our FREE printable to make your very own simple homemade valentines this year–“A Kiss from Me to You”!

Craft Create Cook has the cutest and easiest DIY Popsicle Stick Picture Frame Craft for Valentine’s Day! Pop a Valentine’s Day drawing or message in the middle for Valentine’s Day, and then it can even be replaced with a photo for the rest of the year!

I love this idea from Non-Toy Gifts, using tins cans and leftover party streamers to make a Valentines Kids Windsock craft.

I’ve never seen this before! Use watercolors to paint paper heart doilies for a colorful Valentine Suncatcher, from Cutting Tiny Bites.

Share the Love with these Valentines Heart Rocks. My kids had so much fun placing these around town for others to find!

Be sure to also check out these 18 Valentines Crafts for Kids while you’re looking for some Valentines Day crafts inspiration!

Amanda and her 5 Crafty Critters share their love of crafts at  Easy Crafts for Kids and are always thinking up crafts of all kinds that are fun and very easy to make!

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHECK OUT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE VALENTINE’S DAY CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES!

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25 Active Ways to Learn Indoors with Tape

25 Active Ways to Learn Indoors with Tape

Recycle Old Toys into Something Cool!

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We are going through a post-holiday season/ pre-spring cleaning toy purge. If you are too,  join us in drooling over these toy hacks!

Don’t throw your piles of outgrown playthings out, recycle old toys into something cool!

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Recycle Old Toys Into Something Cool?

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Recycling/ upcycling old toys is way easier and less work than you might think. It’s also really fun and a cool way for you and your kids to bond while using your imagination. It’s also a good lesson in resourcefulness!

This War And Peace Bookend from Make: looks like something straight of Sid’s room in Toy Story! All you need is a toy soldier and some creativity.

I’m loving this a memory sculpture bow holder, from Makely! What a unique and functional way to hang onto some of your kid’s favorite toys, by morphing them in to a piece of art, while organizing their room at the same time!

 

 

 

 

 

Recycle  Old Toys Into Something Cool: Up-cycled Animals

Animal toys are something that almost every kid has. They are sort of an investment toy, because not only are they educational, they are a classic, and can be played with at almost any age. Regardless, your kids will still get to a point when they won’t play with them as much. The good new is that there are tons of ways to recycle old animal toys into something cool!

Get leggy and organized with these fun lids from envatotuts+! Kids will love organizing their stuff into these fun containers. All you need is spray paint and mason jars.

This idea from Etsy, to make a coat rack with toy dino heads, is so cool! Gotta love a way to save toys that’s also a space saver!

Drill some holes into a toy and upcycle it into a toothbrush holder.

 

 

 

 

 

Cut old toys in half, then paint, and glue them into wooden “L ‘s” to create bookends with this cool idea from Doodlecraft!

Use toys as handles with this brilliant idea from Paging Fun Mums. Here, they used rubber dinosaurs to make grips for corn-on-the-cob!

 

 

 

 

 

Recycle Old Toys Into Something Cool: Hacking Like A Boss

I love how creative people are with every day items. You can take something that you use everyday, and multi-purpose it ten times over! This is especially true when it comes to upcycling old toys.

Who knew a tennis ball could be so handy! There are a lot of ways you can use this trusty monster ball, from Dishfunctional Designs.

Store your kids’ stuffed animals and create a bean bag chair all at once with this bean bag cover!

Not all toy hacks are for toys your kids have outgrown. You can paint toys they still love to play with, and give them new life. Check out this this coupe Bat Mobile from Sweet C’s!

 

 

 

 

 

 

25 cent toy “bubbles” from the gumball machine can be repurposed into a fun lipgloss necklace with this tutorial from Not So Idle Hands.

Your musical instruments can be repurposed, too!  Transform a xylophone into a fun wind chime with this idea from Instructables!

 

 

 

 

Looking For More Ways To Organize Or Recycle Toys Into Something Cool?

Check out some of our other ideas!

• Household Hacks
• Genius  Organization Ideas
• Best  DIY Toys  
• 15 Upcycled Toys To Make At Home

 

JOIN THE CONVERSATION ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE DIY IDEAS!

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Space Mazes {Free Kids Printable}

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Sharpen the pens and find the solution to these “out of this world” space mazes!

I for one can never get enough of printable mazes – I could easily solve them all day long!

Free Printable Space Mazes

This post contains affiliate links.

These are great for some no strings attached fun or they can also be used as a fun introduction to learning about the space! Be sure to laminate these so your kids can use them over and over again!

The Printable Space Mazes Pack Includes

• 4 pages with easy mazes (with a star, Saturn, rocket and the moon).
• 4 pages with advanced mazes to solve.

I’ve made them in color and in black and white version (a more printer friendly alternative).

Click to download and print at The Printables Library at Kids Activities Blog: Space Mazes Color and No Color

More Fun Space Printables and Activities

Why not learn about the awesome part of the space – our solar system! Print these solar system worksheets and let the learning fun begin!

Or explore all the cool planets in this Stars and Planets printable game?

Also check this adorable sensory bottle with stars if you have a younger kid in your home (it is one of the cutest ones I have ever seen).

Follow our Facebook page for more fun printable activities!

 

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Valentine’s Day Candy Bark Recipe

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Nothing is yummier than some  Valentine’s Day Candy Bark  when you want a sweet treat to give to someone special. We are obsessed with delicious chocolate bark recipes, especially when they are holiday flavored!

Kids enjoy helping to make candy bark–adding sprinkles and chocolate candies at the end is the best part!

 

 

 

 

 

Valentine’s Day Candy Bark

This post contains affiliate links.

Here’s what you need to make Valentine’s Day Candy Bark:

• White melting chocolate
• Cheesecake candy flavoring
• Strawberry wafers
• 4 ounces Cream Cheese
• 1 Package M&M’s
• Sprinkles

Directions:

• In a blender, mix up the strawberry wafers and cream cheese until it is similar to a dough to create the crust.  Line a baking sheet with wax paper.

 

 

 

 

 

• Fill the bottom of the baking sheet with the wafer/cream cheese mixture, spread evenly, and press it down.

 

• In a glass bowl, microwave your cheesecake candy melts for 1 minute. Stir. If not melted smoothly, microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in-between until smooth.

 

•  

 

 

 

 

• Pour the melted candy bark over the wafer/cream cheese crust.

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Top with M&M’s and sprinkles.  Set aside until firm.

 

 

 

 

 

• Break apart and and enjoy!

 

This would be an awesome treat packaged with some cute kids valentines for school. And if you want to try more candy bark, we love this Cookies ‘n’ Cream Funfetti Bark!

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Package Valentine’s Day Candy Bark?

If it lasts long enough to package (and isn’t eaten as soon as it’s made!) place it in an airtight container and keep it in a cool area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do I Gift Wrap Valentine’s Day Candy Bark?

One of my favorite things about Valentine’s Day, is that it reminds us to think of others and show our loved ones how much we care! Gifts don’t need to be expensive, and the best gifts are homemade–like this Valentine’s Day Candy Bark!

Making gifts, and then wrapping them with my kids is a great time to discuss how important it is to pay it forward and show people how appreciated they are!

Wrap your Valentine’s Day Candy Bark in decorative boxes that your kids can decorate with stickers, a plate with a paper heart doilie, or a Valentine’s Day cellophane treat bag with ribbons.

I love making wrapping paper with my kids, so I’m loving this DIY stamp craft, from Play Ideas with my kids. This Valentine’s Day, I’m going to make wrapping paper and then wrap boxes of this Valentine’s Day Candy Bark, just like a candy shop would!

 

 

More Valentine’s Day Crafts & Activities To Try With Your Valentine!

• 25 Valentine’s Day Crafts & Activities
• 24 Festive Valentine’s Day Cookies For You To Bake
• Valentine’s Day Handprint Art
• 16 Adorable Valentine’s Day Photo Opp Ideas

 

 

LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE FOR MORE YUMMY RECIPES AND FUN CRAFTS!

 

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Teaching YOUNG kids to love cooking (and cleaning up afterward)

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When our kids are older, we let them help us in the kitchen. However, even toddlers can cook in the kitchen. If you can start young, you can help them to find a love of cooking that will become an enjoyable hobby as they grow older.   My kids LOVE to cook, and now my 8, 10 & 12-year-olds will cook without my direct help because they had a foundation that set them up for independent cooking. :). It’s a way to use their time doing something they love (NOT gaming!)

Toddlers want to be in the middle of the action, especially when gadgets are involved. And they love to imitate those around them. To some parents, cooking and cleaning up represent mundane chores, but toddlers see them as exciting games. So why not take advantage of that enthusiasm and start teaching basic cooking and cleaning skills to toddlers?

Cooking Basics for Toddlers

Children flex their curiosity during the toddler years. Parents who cook and bake often do so with young children underfoot. While toddlers can’t slice and dice safely yet, they can perform many simple cooking tasks.

Here are some food preparation activities toddlers can help with under the close supervision of an adult:

* Wash and dry fruits and vegetables
* Pour canned items such as soup or fruit filling
* Pour pre-measured cold liquids such as water, oil, and milk
* Pour frozen vegetables from a bag
* Pour dry goods such as nuts, pasta, beans, rice, baking mixes, and seasonings
* Pour pre-measured dry ingredients such as cereal, salt, sugar, and flour
* Stir cold ingredients in mixing bowls, pots, and pans
* Place cup liners into muffin and cupcake pans

Simple Cooking and Baking Starters for Toddlers

Cooking is more than a fun way to spend time with Mom and Dad. Children also develop their excellent motor skills while they stir and pour. And some toddlers grow more willing to try new foods when they’re involved in the preparation process. Here are some natural starter foods parents can make with children new to the kitchen:

* Chex Mix
* Cakes
* Brownies
* Muffins
* Pudding
* Gelatin
* Soup
* Macaroni and Cheese
* Rice
* Beans

Cleaning Up the Kitchen With Kids

Parents who want to teach responsibility to young children can use the kitchen as a starting point. Toddlers love to help wipe up messes; those with developed motor skills can even wield a broom and dustpan with success. Parents can encourage toddlers to help clean up after cooking by giving one simple, short command at a time. Itís also an opportunity to practice saying ìpleaseî and ìthank youî to one another. The following list provides examples of simple tasks for toddlers as young as 12 months:

* Take clean dishes and utensils out of the dishwasher one at a time and hand them to a parent. (Pay close attention to the temperature of the dishwasher surfaces and the items inside it to prevent burns, and never let a child handle sharp or breakable objects.)
* Put dirty washrags, bibs, and clothes in the laundry basket
* Place lids in drawers
* Put trash in the wastebasket
* Hand a parent a dirty cup
* Take dirty spoons to the sink
* Wipe off the highchair tray
* Put leftover foods and napkins in the cabinet

Benefits of Learning Life Skills in the Kitchen

Patience is perhaps the most vital ingredient when parents work with toddlers in the kitchen. Expect mishaps. Dishes will likely break, ingredients will spill. When willing caregivers provide a safe environment for young children to learn their way around the kitchen, they spend quality time with their kids and teach responsibility. And toddlers love to earn their parent’s praise.

Cooking and cleaning up afterward fosters self-confidence and pride in youngsters and provides tangible results for them to show off to the rest of the family.

You’re teaching your kids to love a hobby that will benefit them forever (cooking), and you’re teaching them responsibility (cleaning up afterward). It’s a win-win!

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