If mom (or very often dad) has so much fun preparing dinner for the whole family – and then receives many compliments – why can't I do it too? Perhaps the thought will be a little less elaborate, but the gist is this: children love watching their parents at the stove, and
they won't hesitate to actively participate in the game as soon as you give them the opportunity.
You can start playing in the kitchen with children from an early age: you can give them as early as one year old
small pieces of bread to turn into balls, a few cooked peas to run on the surface (at worst they'll eat it), a little flour in a bowl. Then, as soon as they are a little older, ask them to become
your little assistants : they will be enthusiastic and, little by little, they will actually help you.
HOW TO DO?
■ Have the younger children sit on the high chair next to you: the elevated position (with the hands 'working' at the same height as yours) will make them feel protagonists. After the age of two, a stool or, for example, the
low step of the evolutionary high chairs (with the advantage of being able to count on a back support):
place it next to you in front of the work surface (and away from the stove). Alternatively, the child can work
at the kitchen table, kneeling on a chair, or on a children's table, sitting in his chair.
■ An apron is essential to transform into a real chef: a kitchen towel tied around the waist is enough.
■ Eliminate knives, glassware and other dangerous items.
■ Provide a few utensils: a spoon or two, a strainer (kids love to strain anything) and, if you make bread,
or pizza, even a small rolling pin.
■ Pay attention to the ingredients, especially in the case of the little ones: no chickpeas or dry beans, they could swallow them
or put them in the nose; yes to flour (white or corn), no to raw pizza dough (which at most they can touch
from your hands), the temptation to taste it would be too strong. In any case, the important thing is that the games always take place under your very close supervision.
■ If the possibility of having to clean the kitchen thoroughly doesn't scare you, give the children a plastic cup as well
with a little water: together with the flour (and with your help), they will discover the pleasure of kneading.
■ Explain to the children what you are making, step by step, and call the ingredients by name.
■ Compliment their dexterity and thank them for their indispensable help.
WHAT TO COOK TOGETHER?
While the little ones just touch and squeeze, following their own private games, the older ones are eager to receive instruction. So keep them next to you and cook with four hands.
Here are some ideas, from the voice of the mothers: «My two-year-old daughter, ever since she discovered the 'magic'
saffron, loves making yellow rice. Now she is the one to mix it. And then he eats it all."
«We make meatballs: I prepare the ingredients and Luca, aged three, puts them in the boule. Then I pass them to the mixer and together we make balls and flour them. Maybe we don't save time, but we have fun».
«At 18 months, the best thing for Francesca was to make a salad: take small handfuls of leaves, slices of carrots and fennel and throw everything in the salad bowl».
Sara Lanfranchini
