A kitchen is the center of a home in most cases. When you wake up everyone gathers there for breakfast and coffee (lots of coffee). After school, for snack/lunch time and again when dinner rolls around. It’s a place for families to come together. I think it’s safe to say we spend a good portion of our day in our kitchen and it is one of the best places for our little ones to learn (without even necessarily knowing they’re learning). I try to include my 2.5 year old in everything I do so when it comes time for meal prep or setting the table that especially holds true. Here are 3 ways you can make your kitchen toddler functional.

1. Little Helper FunPod Stool: Have a helper stool like this that you can get your little ones involved with everything you do. Even if it is just dumping the contents into the pot or handing you ingredients this is one sure way to get them involved. This one specifically grows as your child grows so we have gotten a solid year of use (and counting) out of this helper stool and we love it! There are all different kinds on the market but what I love about the Little Helper FunPod Stool is that they can’t get out of it on their own. This helps because when my hands are covered in whatever it is we are making I know she can’t run away and get into something else because, yes, toddlers lose interest FAST. My daughter asks daily to get in her “helper stool” and help mommy cook. I love that I can include her stress free.

2. A kid drawer: This huge for us because we try to instill everyday responsibility in our daughter so that she can be self-sufficient as she grows. At her and her sister’s age they are kind of on their own feeding schedule. When it comes to their lunch or dinner time it is my oldest daughter’s responsibility to help set the table for her and her sister. Eventually we will have family times and this will set the stage for that as well. Having a drawer or cabinet at her level gives her the freedom to set the table independently. This comes in handy when she wants milk or water as well. The power struggles involved with picking the right sippy cup for her was more than enough reason for me to encourage her to be a part of that process as well. When it comes time I ask her to please go pick out a cup and meet me at the fridge. This has worked wonders!! One less power struggle is a win in my book!

3. A Kid shelf: With the same concept of the kid drawer we have an entire shelf designed just for the girls. With the goal of including them in the process while teaching them the importance of a balanced snack this has been another great win for us. We have two snacks a day so we mainly use this for snack time but it rolls over to mealtime as well. I designate one shelf to them, at their level and I make available their choices. This allows them the independence to choose what they want within reason without a battle. You choose what you stock it with and they choose what they eat. This also helps tons with picky eaters. If they are choosing it they are more likely to eat it!

I love giving my toddler the responsibility and freedom in all aspects of her day and I think this helps not only with tantrums but her overall self esteem. By allowing her to help, have responsibilities and exercise that free will (that I love so much about her) she will become a stronger person for it. Give these 3 steps a try and you may be surprised how much your child grows from it!

Enjoy! Xo Noelle
www.ohhappyplay.com
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